How much can you afford to borrow?
Click here Property Buying Cost Calculator
Checklist of fees to pay when buying a house
- Mortgage insurance
- Stamp Duty
- Valuation fee
- Loan Application fees
- Legal fees
- Moving costs
- Government fees
- Building Inspections
- Pest Inspections
- Rates
- Utilities
5 Step Guide to buying your home
- Step 1, Get Your Finances in Order
- Step 2, Get Familiar with the Mortgage Industry
- Step 3, Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
- Step 4, Determine Your Wants and Needs
- Step 5, Learn to Work with Real Estate Agents
Homebuying Dos and Don’ts
- Do research the neighbourhood
Look at the house, but also look at the neighbourhood. Location is the most important thing, so it’s critical to look at more than bricks and mortar. Determine what you’re looking for, do the research and find a neighborhood that fits your description.
- Do look at several houses before you buy
Buying the first house you look at it is kind of like marrying the first person you go on a date with – not necessarily a good idea. If you buy a home without comparing it to other listings in the area, you’re likely to overpay or miss out on a great home in the same neighbourhood. Walk through at least three homes before you choose. If you still love the first one you saw, make an offer!
- Do invest in a professional inspection.
Sellers don’t always disclose the whole truth to potential buyers, or they might have done a band-aid job to cover up issues until the deal closes. The average home buyer takes 15 minutes or less to choose a home, but many potential problems, like plumbing and wiring trouble, might not be visible to the naked eye. Home inspectors can look beyond the fresh coat of paint to find costly underlying problems. Splurge on an experience professional – it will save you time, money and house-induced heartache later on.
- Do buy based on needs, not wants
Think about your long-term needs when buying a home. A 2-bedroom house with a gourmet kitchen may dazzle you today, but will you still be enamoured down the road when your family starts to grow? Make a list of your needs and stick to it to avoid buyer’s remorse down the road.
- Don’t overbid at real estate auctions
While it’s possible to get a deal on your dream home at the auction house, buying a home at auction isn’t always a bargain. The starting price may seem reasonable, but several bidders can force the price well over market value. Avoid overbidding by doing research. What are comparable homes in the area selling for? Is the neighborhood on the way up or on the way out? On auction day, set a strict budget and don’t let emotions take hold of your paddle in a bidding war.
- Don’t buy a house for its decor
A home might have gorgeous furnishings at the showing, but it needs to accommodate your furnishings and lifestyle after the sellers pack up their sofa. Look past a home’s decor and make sure the space will accommodate your lifestyle and furnishings. Are the spaces functional and efficient for your daily routine? Focus on the floor plan and the square footage to decide if a home is right for you.
- Don’t trust everything you read in a real estate advertisement
If you don’t read between the lines, you might fall for every word in a real estate ad. Like any ad, real estate classifieds are meant to pique your interest enough to make you take a closer look. Be a savvy buyer and decode the clever phrases sellers use to draw you in. For example, if an ad says a home is “cozy,” it’s probably very small. “As-is” means there’s likely a lot of work to be done. “Motivated sellers” may be more willing to negotiate their price, but get an inspection to make sure there’s not an underlying reason (like faulty wiring or bad plumbing) they can’t wait to sell. Learning the lingo will help you keep realistic expectations for showings.
- Don’t buy the most expensive house on the block
Keep up with the Joneses, but don’t outdo them. You won’t get the same return on investment with the biggest house on the block, and you might have trouble selling later on. Is the house you’re considering overbuilt for the area? Are comparable homes selling in the area? You’ll be glad you gathered the information if you ever decide to sell.