Buying a Home
It is very likely that advice from family and friends will flow in abundance when you set out to buy a home. While that advice is meant to be helpful, it may not always be 100% accurate. That's where I come in, being current in the business of Real Estate is what I do and I can answer your questions about purchasing a home. The most important piece of advice I can give you is to plan ahead! You aren't' just buying a place to live, you are making an investment in your future.
As a home buyer, you are likely to have questions about financing and the steps involved with buying a home. Where do you start? How much money will you need? What can you expect your mortgage payments to be and what can you afford? These are just a few questions you are likely to have. I can provide you answers and walk you through the process from beginning to end.
There are many things to consider when planning buying your next home;
• Location, location, location - Property does not appreciate equally in all neighborhoods. Good investment areas share certain characteristics. Access to good schools, shopping, lakes, parks, and urban centers all help maintain or increase home values in a neighborhood.
• Sale Price - While no one can guarantee that a particular property will appreciate, or by how much, any property is more likely to increase in value over the short term if you can purchase it at a “good price”—that is, at or below market value. I will show you the current trend and market values in the area.
• Condition - Has the home been well-cared for? Consider the estimated cost of repairs and replacements, if they seem excessive, maybe you should keep looking. But, if you love the house despite its warts, you can either ask the seller to make some repairs, or negotiate a lower price. Since your new home is also an investment, the cost of repairs should be considered when making your final offer.
• Improvements - Buying a home that is in good condition but is not 100 percent perfect can be a great investment opportunity even if it's not a “fixer-upper” you are looking for. Updates, renovations and expansions increase the value of a home. Your purchase may not be your dream home but treating your investment wisely can certainly out you on the path to affording your dream home…
Of course these are just a few of the considerations for purchasing a home. I would love the opportunity to discuss your personal needs with you. Buying a home doesn't have to be overwhelming, I can alleviate some of the worries and stress associated with the process by answering your questions and giving you the best possible information to make the decisions you will need to make.
A Few Good Links for the Buyer
RE/MAX Glossary of Words and Terms –“ Amortization The period of time required to reduce a debt to zero when payments are made regularly. Amortization periods are most often 15, 20, or 25 years long. ”
Read more at , http://www.remax-western.ca/3001_glossary.htmlConsumer Connection, The Office of Consumer Affairs – “Experts say that most consumers spend more time on a visit to the grocery store than they do inspecting the biggest purchase of their lives — their home. ”
Read more at , http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inoca-bc.nsf/en/ca01496e.htmlCMHC – Homebuying Step by Step, A Consumer Guide and Workbook – “ So you've finally decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy your own home.”
Read more at , http://www.cmhc.ca/en/bureho/buho/hobustst/index.cfm
