When looking to buy a home, there are many important factors to balance such as your budget, location, and checking off all those must-haves on your list. If you don’t know what to look for you could end up purchasing a home you’re not happy with once you’ve settled in and learned the quirks of the neighbourhood. Here’s how to avoid making an uninformed decision and buying the perfect home in the wrong community.
We Know Homes- Let Us Help You Find The Right Home in The Right Location
Working in Calgary for over 40 years. We know every neighbourhood and community like the back of our hand. We work with you to identify your goals and to check off all the right boxes, in the right place for the right price. Don’t go in blind to such an important decision as buying a home, a decision you will have to live with for years to come. Let us help you make a well-informed investment in both your home and your future.
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There’s No Place Like Home- 4 Ways To Choose The Right Location
Consider Your Lifestyle
If you consider yourself to be young and hip and like to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle then you may prefer inner-city living or a community of like-minded people. Nothing is worse than having a cranky neighbour who is constantly calling in complaints about your music playing too loud after 7 pm. Do you have dogs who like to bark and might annoy your neighbours or do you prefer peace and quiet and are sick of house parties and kids next door? Like-minded neighbours ensure a good fit, not just for your home but for your enjoyment while living in it. Here are some ways to get an idea of the neighbourhood before you make the leap:
Do A Drive-By Of Your Prospective Neighbourhood
Drive by the neighbourhood, or a walk down the street of your prospective home can be very informative when considering a neighbourhood. Notice things like if your neighbours take care of their lawn, if there is junk left out in the alley, graffiti, or if the houses could use a paint job. This will give you an idea of how much pride the neighbours take in their homes, if there are a lot of renters in and out, or how the neighbourhood could affect your property value if you decide to sell. Drive-by on a Saturday night or a busy Monday morning during traffic to see if traffic will drive you up the wall, if it feels creepy, or there is sketchy business going on. Perhaps there is live music down the block or a cozy hole-in-the-wall bar that locals like to frequent. This is a good way to see if there is a lot of noise on the street or if people seem to keep to themselves. While this may seem tedious or overboard, why not take the time to spend some time where you will be living? Your future self would thank you for learning the quirks now and dodging a bullet rather than getting your heart set on a home in the wrong community. Whatever you’re looking for, this is a great way to see if the community is a good fit.
Ask Your Realtor About Amenities Near Your New Home
When considering buying a new home, something to consider is green spaces, parks, restaurants, quality and quantity of school options, groceries, pet or specialty stores and other places you like to frequent. Depending on your lifestyle and your daily habits, map out places you usually frequent during the week and do a Google Maps search or ask your realtor about amenities in the neighbourhood. Treat yourself to a Starbucks and go for a sunny Saturday cruise with a friend, drive the route to schools, work or soccer practice and run your errands in the neighbourhood instead of where you live now, this way you can see what you will have to make a special trip for and how convenient or inconvenient these factors will be.
Factor In Commute And Distance
Considering how much time we spend on our daily commutes, it is crucial to evaluate the distance to things like hospitals, groceries, schools, work, downtown or even friends and family. Being close to things like your child’s school for example can mean living close to peers and riding their bike after school with their friends. The last thing you want is to move into the perfect home and be too far away from downtown to enjoy going out with your friends or adding an extra hour to your commute every day. If you prefer to walk, bike or take transit you might want to consider how far it takes to train to work or the grocery store.
Your Guide To Choosing the Right Location When House Hunting
With a decision as important as buying a house, make sure you take the time to consider the important factors that go into evaluating whether the community your “dream home” is nestled in, is really all that dreamy. Navigating the home buying process can be daunting, which is why it’s important to choose the right realtor to help you navigate the process and answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re still searching for the perfect home, or are not sure what a fair asking price is, The Mel Star Team is here to help.
Ask The Experts- Your Experienced Guide to Finding the Right Home in The Right Location
If you are a first-time homebuyer or an empty nester looking to make a change, our Calgary realtors can help you find your dream home at a great price. To find out more about our services, call our team at (403) 284-633 or fill in our online contact form.
FAQs
How can an experienced realtor help me find the right neighbourhood?
As a potential homebuyer, you are likely wondering about certain aspects of a potential neighbourhood including crime rates, local amenities, and whether there are any quality schools close by. A top realtor can provide you with all the relevant information you need to make the most educated decision on locations and neighbourhoods.
How do I know if I’m ready to own a home?
There are some signs that could indicate you are ready to buy a home. This includes if you have no more debt, a steady job, a good credit score, solid savings, and an emergency fund. In addition to this, if you love the city or area you are living in and are planning to stick around for the long-term, you could be ready for homeownership.
How do I know if I’m getting a good deal on the home?
While it’s impossible to know how much a home is worth exactly, a top realtor can use comparable properties and look at similar homes that have recently sold in the area to ensure you are paying a fair price.
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