How much can I afford to spend? When should I start looking for a home? Where do I even start?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, then at least one of these questions have probably crossed your mind. There’s so much to learn during this process, and I’m here to guide you through it all. Here are all of the questions–and answers–you’ve been asking yourself about buying a home:
Q: Should I buy before I sell my current property?
This one all depends on your timeframe and finances. If you buy first, then you’ll have to carry two mortgages at once, but you’ll also have the assurance that you have a new home lined up. If you sell first, then you’re taking a risk and banking on finding a new home before the closing date. I’ll help you determine what steps to take depending on your specific circumstance.
Q: What area should I buy in?
The area you purchase your next home in depends on your budget and lifestyle. I can take the time to show you around some of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods to determine the best one for you.
Q: How do I determine my budget?
Meeting with a financial advisor or mortgage specialist is the first step to getting pre-approved for a mortgage and determining your budget. Your credit score, debts, and income are just a few of the things they’ll look at to determine how much you should spend.
Q: How much should my offer be?
Looking at comparable local sales and knowing the market is the best way to find the best price. You don’t want to overpay for your sake, and you don’t want to lowball and offend the seller. We’ll compare nearby homes that are a similar size, style, age, and condition to get an accurate idea of the home’s true value.
Q: How much of a deposit do I need to make?
In Toronto, the common answer is 5% of the purchase price. A deposit tells the seller that you’re serious about the house, so the higher deposit you can comfortably make, the higher your chance of securing the purchase.
Q: Do I have to do a home inspection before I buy a house?
In short: yes! Buying a home without conducting a thorough home inspection first can result in a lot of heartache, frustration, and unplanned expenses. Whether there are small superficial fixes or serious structural issues, it’s worth the extra time to determine what issues need to be addressed.
Q: What additional costs should I account for?
Your mortgage and downpayment may cover the purchase price of the home, but you should also set aside funds for other expenses such as legal fees, land transfer taxes, and moving costs such as movers and packing supplies.