Are you Ready to Buy a House?

Buying a house is a very exciting time in life!

It is a big life decision and making sure you are as prepared as possible will make all the difference.

There are a number of factors to weigh up moving or buying a new home.

Here are a few things I suggest you keep in mind:

1. Are your finances in order?
For most people, a house is the most expensive item you will buy in your lifetime. Making sure you do not put yourself out financially is a must. As you know, the bigger your downpayment, the less your monthly mortgage fee will but be careful not to be house poor. A house is always a work in progress and things will need to be renovated, kept up and fixed over time, so keeping a nice safety net at hand is something to highly consider.

2. Find out what’s happening in the area where you are looking to buy a house
Get to know the neighbourhood / city you are looking to move to. Getting a feel for the area and comparing other house prices will give you a keen sense of what you can expect. Picture yourself living in any house you look at. Really visualize how it would look and feel to be pulling into the driveway, cooking in the kitchen etc. This should trigger some true feelings about what it would be like to own said property.

3. Are you planning to stay awhile?
Buying a house is great, especially if you are looking to put down roots. If you are moving to a new city, it may be beneficial to rent for a few months so you can find out where you’d like to buy. If you have a work contract or are relocating, buying a house is great way to get settled. If you are committing to buying a home, planning to stay there for at least a few years is a good idea. This amount of time will give you some real perspective on your home, the city and will most likely earn you some equity.

4. Are you ready to buy?
Buying a house is an emotional decision. It is the place you will truly turn into your home. You can make it your own with paint, curtains, hanging pictures, your home is an extension of you. Make sure you are in the right place emotionally whether buying alone or with someone else. Be prepared. Understand all the terms and conditions so there are no hidden surprises that could push already high emotions too far. Often with big decisions there are feelings of confusion. Understand these feelings, but also, know your real reason to buying a home and keep that in your mind.

When you are ready to make your purchase, we’d love to help you along the way!

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.