Ready for a change but not sure what you’re looking for? Before you start scheduling showings and packing your boxes, take a moment to consider what you need in your next space. Budget is obviously the number one factor for most so it’s important to start with getting your mortgage pre-approval done so that you have an idea of what you can truly afford.
Then figure out where your most ideal location would be but keep in mind that you may need to consider alternative, adjacent options that will align with your budget. Ex. Grimsby is a popular choice with buyers for its charm and views of the escarpment but some choose Beamsville instead as a family friendly alternative to get a little more bang for their buck with regards to the actual house.
Other considerations to ponder are:
COMMUTE:
Do you need a car to get to work or are you going to be taking transit? If you find an area that you like, I highly recommend a test run at the time of day that you’d be travelling if you don’t have the luxury of working remotely.
TYPE OF HOME:
Are you interested in detached houses, condos or townhomes? Do you like the idea of a fixer upper that will offer a little more space or are you hoping to find a new or newly renovated home that doesn’t require a lot of updates? There are advantages and disadvantages to them all. Consider what might align the best with your lifestyle and budget.
COMMUNITY:
What would you like to see in your community? Would you prefer for there to be a lot of family focused events? Is nightlife important to you? Are you hoping to be close to the water? Are you an athletic family? Write down whatever comes to mind and work backwards from there. How you live in your community matters and can make a huge difference in your every day.
WALKSCORE:
To some, walkability is essential but to others, not so much. Figure out how important it is to you to be able to walk to restaurants and shops, grocery stores, schools, etc. Sometimes this can make or break a home’s allure.
MUST-NOT-HAVES
Everyone has their MUST HAVE lists at the forefront of their minds but you should also consider what you don’t want. If you are a private person, townhouses might not be the right fit for you. Or if you hate having to do a lot of gardening and outdoor maintenance, a detached probably won’t be a good fit. Consider how you live in your every day and write down the things you definitely don’t want as well.
Sometimes discussing all of these variables in depth with a realtor can be helpful so feel free to reach out to figure out what might be right for you.
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