Your goal, when shopping for a new home, is to find the ideal property, in a neighbourhood that is just right for you, within a price range that you can afford.
Your goal, when shopping for a new home, is to find the ideal property, in a neighbourhood that is just right for you, within a price range that you can afford.
There are a few things — at minimum — that you need to do before you get started.
Here are 4 important items you should address before you start shopping for that dream home.
A property wish list. What does your ideal home look like? How many bedrooms does it need to have? Do you require a spacious recreational room? A large deck? A pool? A nice view? Get your wish list down on paper.
A neighbourhood wish list. Where you live is just as important as what you live in. What qualities are you looking for in a neighbourhood? A nearby park? Walking distance to a good school? Hiking trails? A shorter drive to work? Write it down.
A pre-approved mortgage. Getting the financing handled up front takes the guesswork out of what you can afford. Home sellers will also take any offers you make more seriously.
Realistic expectations. 99.9% of homes sell at or near the current market rates. So don’t expect to find a bargain that no one else has noticed. You should understand which homes, in which neighbourhoods, are available within your price range.
Looking for more advice on finding your next dream home? Call me today – I’m happy to help!
