Archive for the ‘Buying’ Category

Location, Location, Location!

Friday, October 19th, 2018

How to Choose the Neighbourhood That Best Suits Your Lifestyle

It is common for first-time home buyers to spend ample time focusing on finding the perfect home, but even an ideal home will be less than perfect if it is not in a great community. Therefore, it’s a good idea for first-time buyers to first invest a bit of energy in searching out the right neighbourhood. Ideally, the local area that is selected will perfectly suit the entire family’s lifestyle, and there are a few factors to consider when narrowing down the options.

How to Choose the Neighbourhood That Best Suits Your Lifestyle

It is common for first-time home buyers to spend ample time focusing on finding the perfect home, but even an ideal home will be less than perfect if it is not in a great community. Therefore, it’s a good idea for first-time buyers to first invest a bit of energy in searching out the right neighbourhood. Ideally, the local area that is selected will perfectly suit the entire family’s lifestyle, and there are a few factors to consider when narrowing down the options.

 

The Location of the Community

After buying a new home in a lovely neighbourhood, some people will spend a considerable amount of time enjoying life in their new space. However, all will need to venture out of that small community from time to time. With this in mind, the ideal community is one that is located next to shops, restaurants, medical centers and more that can meet the home buyer’s needs. People will generally enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle when they have access to almost everything needed within a few miles of their home.

 

The Amenities and Services Available

More than that, the community itself may need to have specific amenities in it. For example, some neighbourhoods have a community center, nature trails, play areas for the kids and other similar amenities. They may also have a far more active community spirit, and the neighbourhood may host parades, picnics, festivals and other local events that can bring residents together. Not all of these are important to all buyers, but some may be far more important than others to certain individuals. Keep in mind that those amenities and services that are not available directly inside the community may be available in the larger community, and the home buyer should consider all of this when deciding where to buy a new home.

 

The Residents in the Community 

Another point to consider is the general makeup of the community. Some communities may have a quieter ambiance, and this may be more common with more established neighbourhoods that have residents who have lived in the area for years. Other communities may be more appealing to families with younger kids or who are about to start a family, and this may be due to proximity to schools, the kid-friendly amenities in the area and more. Most home buyers will find that they feel more at home living in a community when they choose an area where other residents are in the same general stage of life as they are in.

It can take time to narrow down the choices to find the right community to live in. These factors must all be considered in combination with the type, style and affordability of housing in the community. While some home buyers will search for a neighbourhood on their own, others may find it easier to work with a real estate agent. Ready to learn more about the different type of neighbourhoods in the area that may be most suitable for your needs and preferences? Get in touch today!

5 Steps to Follow When Buying A Home

Friday, October 12th, 2018

Purchasing a home can be quite a complex proposition.  Here we take a look at the steps involved in the home buying process, and what you can do to make it simpler.

  1. Deciding To Purchase a Home

You have to make numerous decisions while purchasing a new home. The most important of them being the duration for which you are planning to stay there. It is advised to buy a house only if you are planning to live there for between 2-5 years. In many places, you may find renting to be much more affordable than owning the house.

Aside from mortgage payments, there are many more responsibilities that come with a property purchase such as, paying for insurance, sticking to a budget and also repairs. Consider what reasons are making you more inclined towards buying a home. Tired of renting places and want to have a place of your own? Starting a family? Or trying to make some money in real estate?

  1. Checking Out All Your Options

If you are a first-time borrower it isn’t mandatory to make a down payment. However, you will end up saving a considerable amount of money on your mortgage if you choose to make a down payment. Typically, it should be 20% of the price of your house. After evaluating home prices in different areas, you may find some places to be a lot more affordable than others.

Take what experts say into consideration on whether the prices will increase or decrease.  By using a home affordability calculator you can determine how much money you can spend on the purchase. Take a look different mortgage rates and then calculate a few of the basic mortgage options. You can then determine whether the rates will increases or decrease in a couple of years.

If you are confused about whether to opt for a fixed rate or adjustable mortgage rate, speak with a few of the people living in the area that have bought homes in the last few months. Asking them for some advice on some of the challenges they had to face and what tips they can offer may prove to be effective while making your final decision.

  1. Get A Mortgage Pre-Approval

First, start off by comparing different mortgage rates online. You can visit websites of online lenders which will help you estimate different mortgage options. You can also evaluate options with a local bank or credit union. A lot of companies offer “pre-qualify” systems that help you estimate what you can afford and what you cant. This is an excellent step for evaluating the different lenders.  However, it isn’t the same as pre-approving. After narrowing down your search to just a couple of lenders, you can then apply for a pre-approved mortgage with each of the companies. Every application causes a drop in your credit score, this is why it’s advisable to apply with moderation.

  1. Shop For A Great Home

Compile a list of all the different features that you are looking for in a home, like the number of bedrooms or closets and take this with you every time you visit a house. Looking at different properties each day makes it difficult to differentiate one from the other. Write down notes on every house you visit, this will make it easier for you to make a final decision. Take a note of all places that require repairs and calculate the amount of money it will take you to fix them, this can help when you are negotiating the price of the house.

  1. Finalize The Deal

Organize a home inspection, as this is an important step before purchasing a home.  Spending up to $200- 400 on an inspection can bring to light any potentially serious problems in the structure. In fact, you can use the home inspection report to negotiate a better buying price if you are keen on purchasing the property. Evaluate all your homeowner’s warranty and insurance options and look for ones that give you the best deal. Contact your mortgage lender for your final loan approval.

Ensure that all closing documents are in place by getting them reviewed by your attorney or agent. Following these steps is essential to making a smart property purchase. Let me help make your next Real Estate transaction a successful one!

How To Make the Most of Your Home Buying, Selling Experience

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

Purchasing a new house is one of the biggest investments that one makes. It isn’t just an investment of money, but also of time and a lot of effort. Most people end up staying in a house for a minimum of five years, or in some cases for decades and its essential to make the right purchase choice.  It is important to look for a house that suits your lifestyle, family and even your budget. Take a look at how you can make the most of your home buying experience.

Buying a Home

  1. Be Patient

Buyers need to be ready to move quickly when they find the house they like. However, it’s far much more important for the buyer to be patient. Agents help you avoid major pitfalls. Real estate professionals state that if you are prepared and know exactly what to expect (even though it is a stressful and intimidating process), you will have no problem in finding the house you like.

  1. Hire an Agent

Hiring an agent to help in the buying process can prove to be extremely helpful. The agent will ensure that there are no problems with the property. These experts are skilled in negotiating house pricing, which helps you get a better deal. Once you get your pre-approval, look for an agent with local knowledge and one you can trust as well.

  1. Location Matters

The location of the house matters a great deal. Some of the aspects to take into account include, proximity to schools and parks, entertainment opportunities, shopping areas etc. Aside from this, it’s important to make sure that the neighborhood is safe, well-connected, well-maintained, and suits your lifestyle.

  1. Be Aware Of All Costs Involved

Purchasing a house isn’t cheap and you end up paying for insurance, pre-paid taxes, home inspection, title closing fee and mortgage costs to the lender. This is where an experienced realtor comes in handy as buyers don’t always expect the inspection costs, non-homestead taxes or association fees. Many unanticipated problems may surface at the last minute after an inspection which can end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Selling Your Home

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of your home selling experience.

  1. Set a Timeline

Homeowners should set a timeline while selling their house. A lot of people try to sync the sale of their house with a relocation or the purchase of another property. A well-maintained and updated house won’t take long to get sold.

  1. Hire an Experienced Agent

Consider hiring an agent who has the knowledge and experience to sell your house quickly and also make the process as smooth as possible. A local agent familiar with the neighbourhood, has deep knowledge about buying trends. They will conduct a market analysis, survey your house and provide professional photography services as well. These are the types of agents you should be working with.

  1. Know How Much Expense Is Involved

Real estate commission, owners title insurance, transfer tax, current mortgage balance etc. are the different costs associated with a home sale. After an inspection of your house, you may have to spend some money on repairs or give some concessions to the buyer.

  1. Have the Right Home Features

Updated kitchens and bathrooms are what the modern buyers desire. However, they also want the house to be practical and function without any problems. Every home buyer will have very specific requirements while buying a home. Most will look for things like large yards, proximity to schools, extra garage space, well-maintained sidewalks etc. While every property won’t have all these aspects in place, it needs to have at least most of these desired features.

  1. Home Improvement Updates and Fixes

Carrying out small and simple fixes will ensure your house will sell quickly. It’s important to create a good impression on buyers by making sure that your house is spruced up and well-maintained. It is a good idea to get your home staged by a professional. The real estate market is very competitive and you have only one chance to make an impression on buyers.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, one of the best ways to get a great deal is to hire a skilled real estate agent like me, Gerry Storoschuk! Contact me today to get started on buying or selling in Bonnyville.