Typically, the spring season offers buyers a larger choice and selection of homes, so if you have been looking to get into the Niagara on the Lake real estate market, now is the time. I would like to share the following tips that will find you your Niagara dream home this spring.
Find the Right Real Estate Agent
When you are looking for that perfect home, it is so important that you find a neighbourhood specialist. A great understanding of the local real estate market and knowledge of the town and its distinct neighbourhoods cannot be over-stated. Make sure that your real estate agent:
- Specializes in the area and has sold other homes similar to what that you are looking to buy.
- Is well respected and liked by other real estate agents – this will open up a large number of properties to you.
- Has a great sales record can be recommended by other buyers.
- Is friendly, professional and hardworking.
Get Pre-approved
Before you decide to go house hunting, sit down with a local bank or lender and see how much you will be pre-approved for. There is nothing more frustrating when you find your perfect home only to find out that it is too far out of your price range.
Find a mortgage number that you are comfortable with and make sure to not over extend yourself, so that you are house poor. You want to enjoy your new home, not be stressed out each month by trying to make a payment that you can barely afford.
Be Prepared
Although the spring real estate market brings a larger choice and selection of homes, it can also bring a wider group of potential buyers, which translates into a more competitive market. Make sure that if you find a property that you like, you are prepared to put in an offer and are prepared to pay list price for that home. Try not to get hung up on the asking price, but rather focus on what the home is worth to you.
Here’s the Deal:
If you find your dream house at a price that you can afford it will not matter if you pay a few thousand dollars more or less for that home over the course of 25 years.
Focus on the Home
When you are buying a home, make sure to focus on the home and not the sale or the owner. It is of no importance whether the home is a foreclosure, a short sale or being sold by the original owner. Rather focus on the location of the home and how that home will serve your needs.
Niagara on the Lake spring real estate market is the perfect time and place for you to find your dream home. If you would like to see some of the new listings that are available or are interested in living in the Niagara on the Lake area, contact me today.