buyers

Home buying can be a daunting and complex process. But it doesn’t have to be. Remember, we work for you and are here to look after your best interests. So take a few minutes and learn how we can help you find what you’re looking for.

Are you ready to buy?

If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’ve come to the right place. But before we jump right in, you have to make sure three things are ready: you, your bank account, and the real estate market.

What are you looking for?

Nowadays, there are many different types of homes to choose from. And there are pros and cons to each. Take a minute to reflect on your lifestyle and based on that, decide what best fits you. To help, we’ve broken down the most popular housing options here.

Sell your current home.

Not very many people can hold onto two homes at the same time, so you’ll probably need to sell the one you have now. Be sure to check our incredibly helpful Selling section. In the meantime, here’s a quick overview.

are you ready to buy?

Are you ready to buy?

Few joys can match the pride of owning the roof over your head, but you will have to make some sacrifices. There’s the obvious financial responsibility, but your home will also require constant care. That’s what real pride of ownership is all about.

Is your bank account ready?

Your first home will be the biggest financial obligation you’ve ever faced. You should ideally have saved up some money for a down payment and are managing any debts like student loans or credit cards.

Is right now a good time to buy?

Markets go up, markets go down and even the smartest experts can’t accurately predict when a market will peak or bottom out. If you’re buying a home as a long-term investment (and for long-term enjoyment), you should be protected from short-term changes in the market. Pick a home that meets the needs of you and your family. Then you’ll enjoy living in your investment as it grows in value.

decide what you want to buy

where do you want to live?

Urban

Ahh, the big city. Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even to work. You’ll also have the widest range of housing options.

Suburban

Newer schools, newer shopping centres, bigger yards, bigger homes, no wonder so many people love the suburbs.

Smaller Cities

Ontario is filled with wonderful self contained communities, and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle.

Rural

If you like the idea of owning land, how about a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it’s heaven.

what type of home?

Detached

As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a single-story suburban bungalow, to a three-story Victorian.

Semi-Detached

Two houses that share a common wall. Usually less money than a fully detached home

Duplex

A building zoned for two families.

Town House

Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style and joined in a row. They usually share walls on both sides.

the condo alternative

Ownership

You’ll own 100% of your unit, and a share of the common areas. Common areas include the necessary plumbing, electrical systems, hallways and elevators. They may also include lots of fun stuff like a private gym or party room.

Fees

Membership has privileges and costs. On top of your mortgage and property taxes, condo owners also pay a monthly fee to operate and maintain the common areas. Be sure to look into condo fees, and how well they’re managed, before signing anything.

resale or new?

Previously Loved

The New House Smell

If you’re having a new home built from the bottom up, carefully examine the property, the blueprints and visit other homes built by the same company. Have your REALTOR® and/or lawyer review everything before you sign. While your home is being built, stay on top of the process. And remember, you have a legal right to make a full inspection of the house before you accept it as complete.

let's talk needs

Nothing can match the charm and character of an older home. As a bonus, the previous owner may have made improvements and upgrades and you get them with the house, usually for less than the cost of putting them in yourself. However, some may have a little too much ‘character’, like a leaky roof. Know what you’re getting into. Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it’s too small? Then your new home should have at least three bedrooms, and probably a second bathroom. We call these must-have features “needs”. Features you’d like to have are called “wants”. Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your ‘needs’, and as many of your ‘wants’ as possible. To help you with this, we’ve supplied you with your very own Dream Home Checklist.

sell your current home!

when should you sell?

The Markets

When there are lots of people looking for homes but not many for sale, it’s called a ‘seller’s market’. When there are lots of homes for sale and not many people buying them, it’s called a ‘buyer’s market’.

Should You Wait?

If you’re selling one home and buying another, you don’t really have to worry about playing the market. If you sell your existing home for a ‘low’ price, you’re probably also buying at a low price.

Seasonality

It’s true. Winter sales tend to be slower, and spring sales are more brisk.

Selling Fast

Ask me for help establishing a price and for making your home look attractive, without making you look desperate.

THE ETERNAL QUESTION: SHOULD YOU BUY OR SELL FIRST?

Many people are able to time their sale and purchase so they happen on the same “closing date”. As a buyer, you can make your offer “conditional” on the sale of your existing home, so you’re not paying for the upkeep of two homes. Or when selling, you can try to extend the “closing period” to give yourself more time to find your next home.

buyers

Are you ready to buy?

What are you looking for?

Sell your current home.

are you ready to buy?

Are you ready to buy?

Is your bank account ready?

Is right now a good time to buy?

decide what you want to buy

where do you want to live?

Urban

Suburban

Smaller Cities

Rural

what type of home?

Detached

Semi-Detached

Duplex

Town House

the condo alternative

Ownership

Fees

resale or new?

Previously Loved

The New House Smell

let's talk needs

sell your current home!

when should you sell?

The Markets

Should You Wait?

Seasonality

Selling Fast

THE ETERNAL QUESTION: SHOULD YOU BUY OR SELL FIRST?

We are here to help with all your real estate needs and questions.

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