5 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make

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Published on: June 13, 2013

New Home Buyers

 

A home isn’t simply a structure with floors, walls, and ceilings. It’s a place of laughter, comfort, and security. Finding the right home is like choosing a partner to share the most important moments of your life with.

Are you buying your first home? Don’t make these five mistakes:

Not getting pre-qualified for a mortgage
Pre-qualify with a broker of your choice. This can save you hours of searching for homes in the wrong price range.

Not shopping for mortgage terms
Rates are negotiable! Banks will sharpen their pencils to get your business. The time spent determining the right rate and package for you can save thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

Not getting a professional home inspection
Nobody wants to purchase a home only to find out later that there are defects, latent or otherwise. You may be able to negotiate the purchase price to cover any required repairs.

Not using a real estate sales representative
A sales representative can help you purchase a home, use their expertise to navigate issues, and ensure that the price you pay is market value. They are there to make the process as clear and smooth as possible, so make sure to ask questions!

Not knowing the full cost of home buying
Know all the costs associated with your purchase, such as legal fees, transfer taxes, future monthly utilities, and other potential costs.

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Century21ca/~3/CuYlNplHDng/5_Mistakes_First-Time_Home_Buyers_Make

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7 Overlooked items to check before buying that house!

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Published on: June 6, 2013

Buying a home this year? The place where you set down roots should be a respite from the world. It should be calm, relaxing, stress-free, and exciting.  Here are some often forgotten features to look into before you sign on the dotted line:

Shower in new home1. Visit the would-be home at several times of day. Things appear differently with a new light shone on them. Suddenly, those oak cabinets are peach-coloured and replacing them is a potential expense you didn’t know you had. 

2. Is the home tech-friendly? 
How annoying would it be if you didn’t have cell or data reception in your own home? Some communities still don’t have access to fast home internet services. Older homes may have limited wiring. If you have gadgets, make sure you’ll be able to use them.

3. Turn on the shower, and flush the toilets. 
Low water pressure could be a deal breaker, and loud pipes in bedroom walls could keep you up at night.

4. Explore the neighborhood. 
Go for a drive or take the dog for a walk. If you feel uncomfortable – it’s not the place for you.

5. Do your research.
Are you in a flood zone? Protected lands? Check the property and area for anything that could end up costing more than anticipated.

6.  Don’t let the little things deter you.
Perhaps you don’t like tray ceilings.  Is the shade of wood in the kitchen looking dated? Is the paint colour questionable?  Focus on the bones of the house and the location, everything else can be changed.

7. Look into community events.
If you live next door to a park that holds week long festivals every year, you’d better enjoy the music or the location could get stale sooner than your 10 year plan.  In contrast, if your community doesn’t have access to activities you enjoy, it could bore you into moving before your time.

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Century21ca/~3/3Dbcvrv2KY8/7_Overlooked_items_to_check_before_buying_that_house

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TREB Market Watch – May 2013

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Published on: June 5, 2013

Jason Mercer – Senior Manager, Market Analysis, discusses the Market Watch Report for May 2013.

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3 Home Inspection Myths Exposed

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Published on: May 30, 2013

New home inspection

 

According to Realtor Magazine, “an estimated 70 percent of all homes sold annually receive a home inspection,” yet there are still many misconceptions about the process itself.

Here, the three most frequent home inspection myths will be addressed:

Asbestos is always dangerous and should be removed immediately

In some older residential homes asbestos can be found in the attic as insulation, and was also often used to insulate hot water heating systems.

If you find out that your home contains asbestos – don’t panic! As long as you are not doing major renovations or demolitions, in the majority of cases, doing nothing is the best approach. In any case, you should have an experienced contractor or inspector examine everything thoroughly and advise you on your best course of action.

New homes don’t require home inspections

Even though a newly constructed home is covered under warranty, it is always in your best interest to do a home inspection. Your builder may have tried to save costs by building to the minimum requirements in existence at the time of construction, or workers may have simply forgotten to complete small (but potentially important) jobs in a rush.

Municipal inspectors overseeing the construction site may not have spent enough time in your house to catch everything. There could be problems with the house that are not necessarily code violations , yet could have serious consequences for you as the buyer.

All home inspectors are regulated and certified or licensed

To date, home inspector training has been voluntary in Canada except in British Columbia and Alberta. In provinces like Ontario, it’s considered “self-regulated” and those conducting inspections should ideally be associated with a reputable or accredited home inspection organization (for instance, the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors).

I encourage you to make sure to do your research and ask your home inspector for their previous experience, references, proof of insurance, and their certification from their respective Association. Your real estate sales representative should be able to recommend someone with the necessary credentials.

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Century21ca/~3/5IvCebxmgUQ/3_Home_Inspection_Myths_Exposed

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