Secrets of Savvy Househunters
Experienced Winnipeg home buyers know that there’s more to look for than a good neighbourhood and a sturdy foundation. Wether you are looking in North Kildonan, East Kildonan, West Kildonan, Trascona, Harbourview South, Waverly West across to Pritchard Farms, buyers shop with their hearts and with my expertise; your head. Call me at 204-330-7600 before you get caught up in the excitement of searching for the perfect home. If you're not ready to 'make the jump' and just wish to look here are some savvy steps to follow:
1. Know how much you want to spend
Don’t get caught in that trap of finding a perfect home that you can’t afford. I can help you do your homework and define a budget. Get a pre-approved mortgage or consulting with your lender of choice. If you do not have a contact, I can certainly help you with that. As well, we need to keep our eye on the market, since any changes could impact what you can afford.
2. Scope out the neighbourhoods
Before you start looking at individual homes, figure out which neighbourhoods you would prefer to live in. How close are schools? Stores? Access to highways and public transit? These all have an impact. Also, check common areas in a community like parks and playgrounds – they can say a lot about how the residents feel about their neighbourhood, so look for tell-tale signs of neglect or proud upkeep. I can also let you know how well certain neighbourhoods are selling, which is a good indicator of where people want to live.
3. Make a list
Smart shoppers never head to the grocery store without a list and neither should you when you head out to an open house. Organize your thoughts on paper and come up with a master house wish list that you can refer to. Divide it up into must-haves, would-be-nice items and deal breakers. Carry this list with you so that you can compare homes on the basis of your personal wants and needs.
4. Find a home inspector
Even before you locate your ideal home I can ensure that you have a home inspector on the ready. I can point out the benefits of having one, and based on the home that we look at, we can decide if and when it is time to give the home inspector a call.
5. Take your time
Don’t try to squeeze more than four viewings into a single day – it can be more confusing than convenient. Take photos and make note of the pros and cons after viewing each property so you can take a look at the next home without struggling to remember details about the one before.
6. Street sense
Be sure to ask about mutual driveways, parking, zoning bylaws and upcoming construction. You may be in a neighbourhood that is about to be receiving power line upgrades or road repairs that can wreak havoc on getting from point A to point B after you move in.
7. Be a legal eagle
Ask for a survey of the property and take a good look at it. Fences may not be on actual property lines and right-of-way issues may come into play in the future with the sale of the home next door. Don’t just rely on your judgement; hire a lawyer to inspect all of the paperwork related to a prospective purchase and to advise you.
8. Think it through
In a hot market, it can be hard not to make an immediate offer. While that may work in most cases, be sure to step back, pull out your list and carefully gauge if this property meets all of your must-have criteria. Savvy househunters say that when you find the right property, you can feel it down to your bones. If that’s the case for you, see if you can wait a day (or a few hours) before making an offer. With my help and guidance, you will make the right decision.
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