MATCHING DREAMS WITH REALITY
Most first time buyers want their dream home right away...several thousand square feet of living space and a fully finished basement, overlooking a stream in the valley below. You all know the picture. Your dream may be somewhat different but just as appealing.
Realty soon sets in, however. Our dream home sells for several hundred thousand dollars and the down payment is more than we earn in a year....not to mention the payments which are 3 times our take-home salary for a month.
The best way to deal with reality is to match your financial capabilities with the home that meets as many of your needs as possible. Many first time buyers purchase what is commonly known as a 'starter home'. There's nothing wrong with this approach. In fact, its good common sense to avoid buying a home that will stretch your budget to its breaking point. Remember, the starter home is just that - a way to get started in long-term real estate investment.
HOUSE HUNTING WITH A REALTOR IN THE Hamilton and surronding AREA
Once a member of our teamhas a clear understanding of what you want and what you can afford, you're ready to view prospective homes. Here's where tour knowledge of the market will really pay off - save you a lot of unnecessary time looking at homes that aren't right for you.
No matter what kind of condition the market is in, house hunting isn't a process that should be rushed. How long will it take and how many houses are you going to see? The answer is different for every buyer.
Our clients receive current and up-to-date live information the instant it becomes available. You can review the listings you receive via email and we are ready to view homes!
Much of your search can be done through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and prelimainary discussions with the Realtor. As you visit and react to each home you see, the Realtor will have an increasingly better idea of what you want and don't want and will refine the search process until you find the house that is just right for you.
The important thing is to remain objective and avoid letting a particular feature effect your judgment about an entire home. The seductive powers of an in-ground pool or huge island in the kitchen can mask other features that do not match your list of needs and wants. Take the time to look at each promising home carefully, and avoid being pressured by anyone into making a decision before you're completely satisfied. Our team's goal is to build life long relationships by finding your perfect home with no pressure.
Making your home search a priority and being readily available to view new listings will expedite the buying process.
House hunting is a form of 'market research'. Each visit will give you additional knowledge about the features of the homes in the neighbourhood and the price you can expect to pay for the specific home that interests you. Our team will also show you a list of the homes that have recently sold in the area and their selling prices, giving you even more specific market knowledge.
