Everyone has a dream home in their mind. Like most, you have also daydreamed about your ideal home's size, layout, features, colors or location. The time has come that you will need to be able to convey those details, your imagination and goals, to your real estate agent so that they can do their utmost to make your dreams a reality.
The first thing you will need to do is build a list that prioritizes your criteria in a new home. Each item should have a fall-back or something you would be willing to settle for. For example, if you are looking for a Muskoka cottage for sale, is having a wood-fired fireplace imperative? Would you settle for a cottage with a wood stove, or no fireplace at all? Of course, the less specific you are, the more options you will have; however, compromising your dreams could leave you with an expensive asset you're not passionate about.
As such, it is best to start with the basics. How many rooms will you be needing? Do you have occasional guests? What are your expectations for children and pets in the future? If you are looking at newer properties, such as Mississauga condos, or an older home, will any renovations be needed to satisfy your criteria? If so, how drastic a change to the property will need to be made?
Throughout this process, you should begin ball-parking estimates for what the actual cost of living in your new dream home would be. Whether they live in a Bloor Yorkville style of condo or Mississauga mansion, every homeowner needs to forecast their budget. The hydro and utility expenses for one family will be quite different than another family in a similar house.
As you look at properties, it will be very important that you take a lot of notes that you can concisely share with you agent. Whether you are looking at Oshawa or Mississauga Ontario homes, be sure to print or save photos of listings that resonated with you. Even if the properties are in other cities or are no longer listed, having visual references will help your agent a great deal in finding your dream home.
Similarly, be sure to take photographs, yourself. If you happen upon a home for sale in Markham that you love and it's having an open house, take a few minutes to take some pictures of it's features. Even if it's not in your budget or ideal area, these photos will help your agent in finding similar listings.
Lastly, one of the most powerful tools you can utilize in finding your dream home is word of mouth. By networking, asking questions among those listing homes, neighbors, friends and family, you and your agent may be unexpectedly introduced to the home of your dreams. |