How to Buy Your First Home like a Real Estate Vet

Published on 14 September 2015 in Ottawa Ottawa Real Estate Ottawa Realtor by Jenn Chamberlain

Last updated on September 29th, 2023 at 01:36 pm

Real estate agents have a wealth of information, knowledge and experience at their fingertips when it comes to buying houses, and it’s likely that they will think of things that wouldn’t even enter your head in your wildest dreams. In order to make sure that your first home buying experience goes as smoothly as possible, you need to be thinking like an agent. However, this doesn’t mean that you can go it alone. Even if you do everything right and have your eye on the ball the entire time, the process will be far easier with experienced real estate agents like Results Realty on your side.

Think like an Agent

To get you on the path to a happy home buying experience, here are some things you can do to think like an agent.

Learn About the Neighbourhood Demographics

If the house that you wish to buy is in a neighbourhood full of renters, then it will only take a few bad eggs to drive down the housing value of the entire neighbourhood. Also, if you are a young couple in the prime of your life, burning the candle at both ends, do you really want to be in a neighbourhood full of families and children? Consider your wants, needs, and values, and you’ll discover which neighbourhood matches you best.

Look Beyond the Staging

When you view a house, you can be sure that all of the best features of the house are on full display. The walls have probably had a fresh coat of paint, and there might be a big screen HDTV on display. You need to look beyond this to fully see the value of the house. Look for things that are necessary for comfortable living. For example, how many plug sockets are there in the master bedroom? What is the plumbing system like? The TV won’t stay, but the furnace will, so look at the things that matter.

Read the Contract Before You Sign

This is the most important point and one that many people overlook. Contracts can be long and boring and it’s far too easy to skip to good bits and sign your name on the dotted line. However, if you really want to be fully aware of what you are getting into, then you need to read the contract thoroughly before you sign anything. Make sure that you understand the terms of the contract, and if there is anything you are unsure about, ask for clarification immediately. If there is anything you disagree with, don’t sign until the issue is resolved. You don’t have to go through the first time home buying process alone. Contact Results Realty to help you find your dream home.