5 Tips to Help Home Buyers

Buyer a home is a process that a REALTOR® can help you navigate whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned one. I use a REALTOR® for my own purchases and sales despite being one. I know first hand the benefit of having someone in your court that can take the emotion out of it and like the keel of a sailboat, keep things on the steady. 

These first steps will get you moving on your buying journey and will help to bring about a better outcome, whatever outcome you envision. 

1. Meet with me. I know that sounds self-serving but I've found the best thing you can do at the onset of your buying adventure is to meet so I can go over the entire process, answer your questions, explain selling fees and closing costs as well as create an action plan that is driven by your needs and wants. 
2. Get pre-approved if you haven't already. This will save you time when you do find something you like and avoid disappointment.
3. Create a search on this site to compliment the search I create with you from our meeting in step one. This can be done before we meet to give you a better idea of what is out there in your price range, determined in step 2.. Saving the search will mean you'll get notified via email the minute a desirable property hits the market.
4. Favourite the ones you like, send me notes on why, ask for more information, all of which can be done inside this website.
5. Once you have some properties you'd like to view send me a list of MLS numbers and I'll arrange the showings. 

These steps are far from all there is to the process but will give you an excellent start. 

Home Search Tips

There two lists or categories that you can use to isolate what is important and what can be defined as a want. The perfect house may be attainable but most of the time it is a compromise. But at the end of the day the best home for your budget is the one that fits your important "must have" items on your list with perhaps a few of your desires. Always nice to have a few items on the want list checked off, don't you agree? The key is to not get caught up in a list that doesn't prioritize your needs and wants. 

Let's be honest we buy with our hearts not with our heads. I know some engineers who will disagree with me but there are always exceptions to the rule. Sure when you're buying an investment property it should be about the numbers and very cerebral but when you are looking to build your sanctuary, it's hard to ignore the heart. For now just be aware of that vulnerability so we can turn it into a strength. It will help drive you to action, my job is to see that it is sensible action. 

Another point about find a property to bear in mind is a thing called a mortgage plus improvements. This is done wherein you get an appraisal by the lender for the current value and one for the expected value after renovations are completed. These two appraisals are completed before you buy the property as part of the financing step. This then can increase the prospective properties you are looking at. For example, you find a place that checks off most of the needs list, save a few items that will need upgrading. Enter the mortgage with improvements, buy the house, complete the upgrades, the lender then reimburses you all or a portion of the renos and tacks that amount onto your mortgage. So you don't have to let the sea foam green carpets or dated kitchen be deal breakers.

If the thought of doing another renovation has your head spinning, a new build might be just the ticket. I help buyers with new homes too. I ensure you are clear on what the builder is building before you buy especially if the home has yet to be built. Nothing more frustrating than learning the builders "Premium" specification doesn't include quartz counter tops as you were led to believe, to name only one  problem that can arise. Also, the "we don't negotiate prices" response is a response from the builders' sales person who is actually saying, "we don't like to negotiate". Don't get me wrong I enjoy working with builders and there are some excellent sales reps out that but they work for the builder and are not legally obligated like I am to my clients.   

Five Reasons to buy your home with a REALTOR®

1. Get access to all the listings.
2. Know all the facts on properties you're interested in.
3. Negotiate with the help of a real estate professional.
4. Finance your home faster.
5. Make a solid investment that pays off down the road.
6. Avoid the pitfalls and provide timely guidance

This is already longer than I intended and I could go on but suffice to say it is worth your time meeting me and seeing how I can bring benefit to you on your purchase journey. As the oft used saw goes, "help me help you".