Buying a home in Quinte West? You probably have a lot of questions, whether you’re a first time buyer or moving up, or downsizing. In this blog we help you learn how to get the home you want without the stress.
1. Work With A Local Agent
You need an expert with local insights. Someone who knows the inventory and the market, who can help you make objective decisions and ensure you don’t over pay.
You’ll get value you deserve as well as insight into the neighbourhood lifestyle, amenities, any potential concerns, and future plans. A local agent will help you make a purchase that serves your immediate and future needs.
2. Financial Preparation
The down payment is often the first cost buyers think about. While it is the largest portion of fees you’ll have to spend at once, there are other costs you need to be aware of when planning your finances. Beyond the down payment, you need to make sure you’ve thought about:
- Monthly mortgage payments
- Property taxes
- Closing costs, lawyer fees, etc.
- Moving costs
- Utilities, etc.
Working with a local team like Lafferty Group, you’ll be connected to trusted financial professionals to help you get a mortgage pre-approval. We can also refer you to financial planners, insurance brokers, and other experienced services providers to make this step seamless.
Understanding the big picture of your financial obligations will ensure you not only buy a home you love, but one you can comfortably manage.
3. New-home Criteria
When searching for your first home or your dream home, it’s important to outline your goals and ideal lifestyle. Consider your daily life: family, work, and fun.
Think about what amenities you need or the location that best complements your day-to-day and future plans.
Beyond where you live, consider how you live. Do you want a low-maintenance lifestyle? Are you big on entertaining? Do you work from home? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Thinking about these questions will help you determine features like:
- Property type (detached or townhome? freehold or condo?)
- Layout (closed or open?)
- Location (urban or suburban?)
- Functionality, design, outdoor space, etc.
4. Understand The Market & Plan Accordingly
Your agent will explain current market trends and likely trajectories so you can build a strategy around the modern real estate landscape. Following market shifts and characteristics means you can adjust your plan as necessary, and manage your expectations.
Remember to be open and flexible, as the home you’re looking for may not catch your attention at first. A seasoned agent will be able to see the potential in homes that others may over look. With an open mind, you can get greater value from your investment.
Starting out your home search with these four tips in mind will help you get the home you want within your timeline and price-point.
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