A home is likely the biggest purchase most of us will make in our lifetime. With the steady increase in home prices and affordability challenges miring some of Canada’s housing markets, home ownership can feel like a far-off dream. Thankfully, future homebuyers have time on their side. Here are three things to pay attention to know if you’re considering a home purchase down the line.

The numbers: Whether you’re looking for the next great investment opportunity, or you just want to make sure you don’t overpay for that property, keep an eye on the stats. Subscribe to your local real estate board’s monthly market reports, which may include details such as average selling price by neighbourhood and housing type; inventory and days on market; and insights on other factors that may impact local market activity. You’ll also want to check what comparable homes have sold for in the immediate area. Remember, real estate is local, and the story can differ dramatically from one area to the next. A good real estate agent with expertise in their local market can provide context to these numbers.

Liveability factors: Good neighbourhoods yield good returns. So, how do you know if you’ve landed in a good spot? Take a walk and see it for yourself. Chat with local residents and business owners. What’s the vibe? Where are the schools and how do they rank? Is the area convenient for public transit and commercial zones? Speaking of zoning, what’s the surrounding area zoned for – residential, commercial, industrial, institutional? Are there any notable developments in the works? A visit to your municipal office can shed light on desirable (and undesirable) developments nearby. Is safety a concern? Find out from the local police department. Many police departments feature crime maps on their websites for good insight.

Good advice: Everyone knows someone who’s bought a home. And everyone is willing to share their experiences. Advice from that trusted person who’s been there, done that should be welcomed, but should also be vetted. After all, it’s possible that Uncle Joe doesn’t really know as much about real estate as he’s letting on. Instead, put your trust in the pros. A real estate agent will wade through all the data and paperwork, but also inform you of other factors, such as liveability, which impacts the price you pay for the home, how you live in it and its resale value. Lean on your agent, financial advisor, mortgage lender and lawyer to help fill in any blanks when it comes to the purchasing process.

Buying a home can be complicated, but as they say, nothing worth having comes easy. The sooner you start planning and prepping for your purchase, the closer you will be to realizing the dream of home ownership.

For expert advice and guidance throughout the home buying process, contact Fardad Farhanian at GTA REALTY MAN. 

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