Shopping for a new home is an exhilarating journey filled with emotions and excitement. However, amidst the thrill, it's easy to overlook crucial details, turning your home purchase into a costly process. These common errors often fall into three categories:
1. Paying Too Much
2. Losing Your Dream Home
3. Buying the Wrong Home
But fear not! With a systematic plan and proper guidance, you can avoid these costly pitfalls and make the most out of your home purchase. Here are some valuable tips to help you on your home-buying journey:
1. Bidding with Insight
When it comes to making an offer, it's essential to have all the necessary information. What should you offer? Is the seller's asking price reasonable? Without thorough research on the market and comparable homes, you risk overpaying by thousands. Seek guidance from a professional realtor who can provide an unbiased opinion on a home's value based on market conditions, its condition, and the neighbourhood. Without market knowledge, you might end up offering too much or, worse, missing out on an excellent buying opportunity.
2. Choosing the Right Fit
Clearly defining your needs and wants in a home is crucial. Sometimes, buyers end up with homes that are either too big or too small because they didn't consider factors like commute time, proximity to schools, or the scope of necessary repairs. Plan ahead and use your needs list as a guideline for every home you visit.
3. Ensuring a Clean Title
Before you sign any documents, ensure that the property you're considering is free of encumbrances. A realtor can provide you with a copy of the title to confirm there are no liens, undisclosed owners, debts, leases, or easements.
4. Up-to-Date Surveys
An updated survey is essential before finalizing the purchase. This report outlines property boundaries and any structural changes, such as new additions or neighbouring property developments that may impact your boundaries.
5. Anticipating Repairs
Investing in a professional home inspection, typically costing $300 to $500, is a wise move. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the home's condition and future repair costs. You can make the final contract contingent on a favourable inspection report.
6. Obtaining Pre-Approval
Don't skip the step of getting financing pre-approval, which only takes a few days. It gives you a powerful advantage while house hunting, as sellers are more likely to consider offers from serious buyers.
With these insights and PureRealty Brokerage by your side, you can navigate the home-buying process confidently, avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring that your new home is the perfect fit for your needs and dreams. We're here to guide you every step of the way to make your homeownership journey a smooth and successful one.
Amy Gallant
PUREREALTY Brokerage
Hamilton, ON