There’s something exciting about deciding it might be time for a new home. Before long, you’re scrolling through listings, saving favourites and picturing yourself in a new kitchen or backyard.
But before you book your first showing, there are a few things worth figuring out.
A little preparation at the beginning can make the whole process feel less overwhelming and help you recognize the right home when you find it. If buying a home in Niagara might be in your future, here are five things we recommend doing before you start house hunting.
1. Get pre-approved
We know. Looking at houses is a lot more fun than talking about mortgages.But getting pre-approved should be one of your first steps because it gives you a realistic idea of what you can comfortably afford before you start falling in love with homes.
And that word comfortably matters.
The maximum amount you're approved for isn't necessarily the amount you want to spend every month. Think about what you want life to look like after you buy the house too. Travel, kids' activities, dinners out, renovations, savings and all of the other things you spend money on don't disappear when you become a homeowner.
Knowing your numbers ahead of time lets us focus your search on homes that actually make sense for you.
Already thinking about buying?
Contact us and we can help you figure out where to start.
Contact us and we can help you figure out where to start.
2. Figure out your must haves... and your nice to haves
Before you start looking, sit down and think about what you really need from your next home.Maybe you need three bedrooms. Maybe being close to a particular school or having a home office is non-negotiable. Maybe you'd love a finished basement or a pool, but you could live without them for the right house.
Separating your must haves from your nice to haves can make your search a lot easier.
It also helps to think beyond what you need today. If you're hoping to stay in the home for several years, consider what life might look like down the road. Will you need another bedroom? More parking? A bigger yard? Less maintenance?
You probably won't find a house that checks every single box. The goal is to know which boxes actually matter.
3. Think beyond the purchase price
The number on the listing isn't the only number to consider.There are other costs that come with buying and owning a home, including your deposit, legal fees, closing costs, moving expenses, insurance, property taxes and ongoing maintenance.
Depending on the property, you may also want to budget for things you'd like to change after moving in. That doesn't mean the house needs to be perfect on day one. In fact, sometimes a home that needs a few cosmetic updates can be a great opportunity.
It just means you want to know what you're walking into.
When we look at homes with our buyers, we're not only thinking about whether they can buy the house. We want to help them think about whether the house makes sense for their life and their budget once the keys are in their hands.
4. Choose your REALTOR® before you find the house
A lot of people start by scrolling through listings and only think about contacting a REALTOR® once they find a house they want to see.You don't have to wait.
Having someone in your corner from the beginning means you have somebody to ask when you're not sure whether a listing is worth seeing, whether an asking price makes sense or what a particular detail in a listing actually means.
We can also help narrow the search, arrange showings, provide information about properties and neighbourhoods, and guide you through the offer and negotiation process when the right home comes along.
Most importantly, you have someone who already understands what you're looking for.
Want to see what's currently available?
Search Homes for Sale in Niagara
Search Homes for Sale in Niagara
5. Get ready to move when the right home comes along
You don't need to start packing boxes before your first showing.But it is worth thinking about the logistics of a move before you're suddenly in the middle of one.
If you own your current home, does it need to sell before you can buy? Do you have a preferred closing timeline? Are there repairs or projects you'd want to tackle before listing? What would make a move easier for your family?
These are conversations we can have before you ever write an offer.
Because sometimes the right house comes along when you aren't expecting it. Having a plan makes it much easier to make a confident decision when it does.
You don't have to have it all figured out
Buying a home is a big decision, and you don't need to know every step before you begin.That's what we're here for.
Whether you're ready to start looking now, thinking about making a move next year, or you're simply wondering what buying would look like for you, we're always happy to have the conversation.
Ready to see what's out there?
