The Dos:
Take your time/Look at several houses: Even if you are absolutely in love with the first house you see, take the time to consider other options. While the first house may seem like your dream home, there might be a hidden gem that’s about to hit the Brantford market. Often times Brantford homebuyers rush into purchasing a home and find out it’s not what they expected. Look at it this way: would you marry the first person you went on a date with? Probably not. If you buy a home without comparing it to other properties in the area, you may wind up overpaying or miss out on something better. Make it a point to walk through 3-4 homes. If the first home is still the winner, make an offer.
Research the neighborhood: While of course the house is important, it’s even more important that the neighborhood accommodates your wants, needs and lifestyle. When you find “the one” spend some time in the neighborhood and make sure it’s right for you. Talk to neighbors, visit restaurants and stores, and take a walk or a bike ride throughout the area. If you can’t imagine your life there, then it’s not the neighborhood for you. For more tips, check out my blog on How to Choose a Neighborhood in Brantford.Buy for your needs: When searching for a Brantford home, it’s sometimes difficult to put your needs above your wants. While you want the stunning fireplace in the home on Smith Street, you need the convenience of being close to the elementary school with the house on Main Street. On average, people tend to live in one house for approximately 7-10 years. That means you have to consider your needs in both the present and future. Although a 2-bedroom home may have a dazzling gourmet kitchen, it may not suit your needs if your family grows.
The Don’ts:
Buy a house for its décor: The current owners of your potential new home have great style. But what does that mean for your style? While their impeccable taste in furnishings may make for an exciting walk-through, what is the house going to look like when they pack up their pristine sofa and the home is replaced with your own furnishings? Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure you have great taste, too. But it’s important to notice whether or not you will need to repaint the entire house to match what you’re bringing to the table. Instead of being transfixed by the décor, focus on the home’s functionality and whether or not it will be efficient for your lifestyle.
Trust everything you read in an ad: It’s no secret that real estate ads are meant to grab your attention and reel you in for a closer look. Brush up on real estate ad copy lingo and read between the lines when you’re reading the classifieds. If a description includes the word “cozy” that probably means the house is pretty small. Watch out for “as-is” because that means the house might need a lot of work, or that there could be an underlying issue with the home’s overall structure and foundation.
Waive an inspection: Home inspectors can see what the average homebuyer can’t. Things like plumbing or wiring issues cannot be seen with the naked eye, but with the help of an inspector can be brought to the surface. If a seller is eager to get their house sold, they may try to do a shoddy job of patching the place up to hide flaws until the deal closes. While the cost of hiring an inspector can be pricey, it will save you time and money in the long run. Look beyond that new coat of paint and find out what work the house really needs.
There are plenty of great homes in the Brantford area. With the help of your Brant County Real Estate agent, finding the perfect home for you will be a breeze. For more information on Brant County Real Estate, or if you are interested in buying or selling a Brantford home, stay in touch with my blog or contact me directly. I’d be more than happy to guide you through the entire process.
Wally Dufrat | Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8 Direct: (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400
Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8 Direct: (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400
Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
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