How to Save Thousands on Your Next Home Purchase
Use a REALTOR®! As members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA®), each Realtor adheres to a strict code of ethics and provides a wide variety of beneficial services for buyers and sellers.
Have your Realtor provide a detailed market value evaluation on the property you are considering purchasing. In other words, make sure that your Realtor compares the property you are purchasing with other homes in the area that have recently sold.
Get a home inspection. Many times, buyers will choose to purchase a home without having the home inspected by a qualified professional. Finding flaws can lead to a price reduction and save you from finding surprises down the road that can lead to costly repairs.
Offer a good deposit. Often, buyers offer very little money down as a deposit when negotiating the purchase of a home; a larger deposit shows the buyer you are actually interested.
Shop around for your mortgage financing. Buyers usually only think to approach their bank to apply for a mortgage, but a mortgage broker can source multiple lenders thus making it an easier process for you to explore all available options. It is important, as a purchaser, to ask if any of the costs for the loan can be eliminated or discounted.
Insist the seller provide a Real Property Report (RPR) with municipal compliance. You want to ensure that the seller provides you with a RPR, a survey of the land and buildings you are purchasing, which reflects the current placement of structures on the parcel you are purchasing.
Purchase title insurance. Discuss what coverage you need, in terms of title insurance, with your real estate lawyer. Ask your lawyer for advice as to whether you should purchase this type of coverage, as usually you can only purchase this type of insurance at the point of purchasing the property.
Take your time before you purchase. It is always a good idea to look at several homes before making a decision. Don’t feel as though you have to buy the first home you look at.
Design Mistakes to Avoid
Get Rid of Matchy-Matchy
In theory, matching furniture items sounds like a great way to create continuity in your space, but in reality, it makes your room look tasteless and uninteresting. To create visually appealing spaces, find variety in fabric and material textures.
Shopping at several stores will help you create a more dynamic look and feel. Don’t forget to carry paint and colour swatches with you. It sounds tedious, but you need to remember that designers spend hours poring over options and colour combinations for their clients.
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
Bad lighting can affect the mood of your home. If you have a dimly lit room, try using lamps, and having switched on dimmers allows you a wide range of options to create ambiance.
Furniture Placement
Do not place furniture against walls. Having furniture off of the walls helps create a more intimate space. Try pulling out your sofa and setting a sofa table against the wall and your couch. You can add a lamp, some books, and décor to allow the room to breathe while adding character.
Purge –Too Much Furniture
We are all guilty of feeling the need to have lots of seating for company, but finding ottomans and clever bench seating that can be tucked away or key for not overrunning your space with too much unnecessary furniture.
Measure First
This is a must. Measure the spaces you are looking to inhabit with art and furniture and find pieces that work with your existing setup.
