For Buyers

​AVOID THESE 8 COSTLY MISTAKES: A Homebuyer's Guide

Buying your first home (or your 10th!) is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. With so much information and advice out there, it's crucial to navigate the home buying process wisely to prevent costly errors (I'm here to help with that!) In this blog post, we'll explore the eight most common mistakes that homebuyers make, and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

MISTAKE 1: SKIPPING FINANCIAL QUALIFICATION

One of the biggest blunders is rushing into house hunting without getting financially qualified first. Before hitting the pavement, consult with a local lender to determine your budget. Don't rely on online calculators or estimations; trust the experts to guide you in the right direction. Having a mortgage pre-qualification ensures you know what price range of homes you should be viewing. It also gives you an advantage during offer negotiations. If you can provide proof of qualification tot he seller, they will know you are prepared and serious.

​MISTAKE 2: CHASING PERFECTION

Creating an extensive checklist of dream home features is natural, but be prepared to compromise. Finding a house that checks every box is extremely rare, and you might end up stretching your budget unrealistically. Be flexible and prioritize what truly matters.

​MISTAKE 3: TRYING TO USE THE LISTING AGENT AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

Avoid the temptation to use the listing agent to represent you, in British Columbia this is actually prohibited. The seller's agent's loyalty lies with the seller, and it's their job to do whatever they can to make the most money for their client. This can mean using your details (your budget, your timeline etc) to get a higher sale price for the seller. It's essential to have someone in your corner who can advocate for your interests. Research and find a skilled buyer's agent who will navigate the process with your best interests at heart.

​MISTAKE 4: OVERVALUING ONLINE ESTIMATES

Don't put too much trust in online home value estimates. Online platforms may provide ballpark figures, but they often lack accuracy. Instead, rely on recent sold listings and market comparisons to gauge a property's real value. Your agent can run reports for you including market trends, recent similar sales and what's happening in certain neighborhoods.

​MISTAKE 5: UNDERESTIMATING EXPENSES

Owning a home comes with various expenses beyond the purchase price, including utilities and unexpected repairs. Plan for maintenance costs, typically around 1% of your home's purchase price annually. Prepare for the inevitable wear and tear that comes with homeownership.
 
​MISTAKE 6: FEELING RUSHED

While it's essential to act swiftly in a competitive market, don't allow anyone to pressure you into making hasty decisions. Take your time to analyze properties, but be ready to act decisively when you find the right fit. Your real estate agent will let you know of strategies which will give you some breathing room and ensure you're confident in your decision.

​MISTAKE 7: FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE DECOR

Avoid falling head over heels for a property's furniture or the seller's design style. These things can cloud your judgment, leading to overpayment or disappointment. See past the seller's decor and visualize what it will look like once they move out.

​MISTAKE 8: NOT SEEING PAST THE SELLER'S "STUFF"

Alternatively, don't discredit a house because you don't like the seller's decor or can't see past their clutter. The "stuff" won't be there when you move in. Try to imagine it empty, or better yet imagine it with your own furniture in it. 

SUMMARY

In conclusion, buying your first home is a significant step, and avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. Prioritize financial readiness, research, and clear goals to make the best decision for your future. Happy house hunting!

Secrets of Savvy Househunters

Experienced home buyers know that there’s more to look for than a good neighbourhood and a sturdy foundation. They shop with their hearts, their heads – and with the expert advice of a real estate professional. Before you get caught up in the excitement of searching for the perfect home, 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 great home that you can’t afford. Do your homework and define your budget before hand. Get a pre-approved mortgage through your lender of choice, or I can provide you with a list of options from my trusted network. 

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 view properties. Organize your thoughts on paper and come up with a 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, have a home inspector at the ready. He or she may even be able to offer you some pointers for things to look out for when you first see a place. Don't know who to contact? I've worked with many over the years, and can definitely help you find the right one.

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

I can help you find out 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. Get a second opinion

If you’ve found a home that really appeals to you, show it to someone else like a good friend or relative. Let them do all the talking in case they see something you hadn’t noticed. Having someone who isn’t personally vested in the property can give you the objective opinion you need before you make your decision.

9. 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. The only thing worse than buyer’s remorse is letting a dream home get away.

And of course....

I'm here to help you through the process every step of the way! My goal is to save you time, money and stress. I want to make this process a positive and memorable one. I'm excited to work with you!