As for all things, it is best to take all the time you need to carefully think things through before acting. Some wise words before plunging into the whirlwind that is the real estate market and taking on your next challenge: purchasing a house!
Here you are ready to take this next step: you have decided to leave the rental life, you want more living and storage space or, on the contrary, you already own a home and want to downsize in order to spend less time and money on maintaining a property.
A Budget that Fits Your Needs
First of all, you must look over your finances to make sure you have enough leeway to move forwards without too many restrictions: a new mortgage — if this is the case — and the unavoidable costs related to moving into and setting up in your new neighbourhood, such as notary fees, the reimbursement of municipal and school taxes to the buyer, property transfer fees (the famous welcome tax) and other various moving and hook-up expenses (cable, internet, etc.), among others.
In some cases, you will also have to consider purchasing home appliances, lighting fixture or window dressings, not forgetting new furniture to get the nursery ready for the new arrival or equipment for a home office.
Your Preferences for your New Home
The most crucial things having been dealt with, you should now start thinking about your selection criteria: in the city, suburbs or country; in a neighbourhood near services and activities or in a new residential development; at a reasonable distance from schools, daycare and work, or, on the contrary, relatively far from it all? Start by establishing your priorities and what is non-negotiable: a garage over a carport, a recently renovated kitchen, four bedrooms instead of three, or a laundry room on the ground floor, among others.
Your Broker on the Lookout
The time has come to call upon a RE/MAX real estate broker, the highly experienced specialist you must consult at this important stage in your search.
With their expertise and in-depth knowledge of the area you are looking into, you will avoid running around in circles not knowing where to start. Your broker will begin by identifying the properties you might be interested in and will meet your demands by eliminating those that don’t correspond to your selection criteria. Once the list has been drawn up, they will schedule a first series of viewings to help you get on the right track.
Then, based on your reactions and comments, they will make adjustments by proposing other properties or another area that could interest you. You will also provide them with your price range and your wish list.
Winning Compromises
There may be no such thing as the perfect house, but there is without a doubt the right one for you. It’s simply a matter of searching, visiting, revisiting and, if need be, reviewing and updating your criteria. You may have to be somewhat flexible on certain points by accepting, for example, a semi-finished basement, the lack of a closed entryway or of a shed in the garden. Some compromises are worth considering, though, especially if one or more properties constitute attractive options.
This process may take some time — unless you are working under conditions that mean that you have a shorter timeline in which to make your decision — but you will find what you are looking for.
Going out to hunt for a new home — either your first or no — is, in itself, an exciting adventure full of twists and discoveries. Have no doubt that your RE/MAX broker will unearth the key that will open the door to the house of your dreams!