Matt Sylvester | Questions First-Buyers Homebuyers Ask Me

You may be wondering.

If I’ve noticed a difference between home buyers and first-time home buyers, it’s in the number of questions they ask. And this just makes sense. For most of you, entering the real estate market means making not just a big financial commitment, but probably your first major investment of any kind.

Because the stakes are so high, you want to make sure that you fully understand every detail of the transaction, every option available to you, every factor that may be negotiated and just generally what is “normal” or “standard” to the real estate business.

I invite you to come to me with every question you can possibly think of. My job is to provide answers and to make you feel comfortable with the process and the final result.

Here are some examples of questions that I tend to get from first-time home buyers.

Q- What should I be looking for in a home as a first-time home buyer?

Answer

There are a number of factors that tend to be most relevant and important to the buyers that I work with. One the one hand, you want your home to be a great investment and therefore I suggest buying a property in a great location. Though costs tend to bit a bit higher in these areas – it’s much more likely that you will benefit from stronger rates of capital appreciation and your home value will be insulated from any corrections in the marketplace. On the other hand, I strongly encourage first-time home buyers to buy a house that is going to require the least amount of capital improvements. The last thing you want as a first-time homebuyer is having to deal with expensive costs such as a roof, windows or even furnace replacements within the first couple years of ownership. My suggestion: buy a home in a great area and find something that will allow you to move in and turn on the BBQ.

Q – What are the costs associated with purchasing a home?

Answer

Regardless of type of home or property you’re buying, it is prudent to be aware of these extra costs.

A land transfer tax (a sales tax on property).
Reimbursement to seller for the unused portion of any prepaid property taxes or utility bills
Legal fees, and, if applicable, REALTOR® fees

Q – When is the best time to buy a home?

Answer

If there is no immediate rush to purchasing, my suggestion is to keep an eye on general trends in the marketplace. Generally, most sellers think the best time to sell is during the spring market, hence there tends to be a greater amount of inventory on the market during the spring through summer months. For buyers, this can mean more choices and also the likelihood of competing in multiple offer situations is often reduced. When inventory on the Toronto Real Estate Board is low, demand remains quite high and buyers tend to find it much more challenging to secure a property and occasionally this can take more time.

Q – Should I avoid multiple offer situations?

Answer

Many buyers are fearful of entering into a multiple offer situation but it’s my belief that most of this fear can dramatically reduced with some additional knowledge and some trusted guidance. One of my strategies to combat fear and increase confidence is that I work tirelessly to provide my clients with real, tangible market statistics on a given area and beyond that I strive to get my clients into as many houses as possible so that they really begin to get a sense of value in a given area. Drawing on nearly 80 years of combined family experience, I also have a number of other tactics that I employ to make sure my clients are getting the house they want, when they want it and at a price that is fair.

Looking for a new home? I’m here to help. Just let me know what you’re looking for.

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