Are You Ready to Buy Up?

No matter how much you love your current home, you may still be dreaming of the day you can buy up into a better home in a better neighbourhood.

Is that day today or a few years down the road?

Here’s a quick way to make that assessment.

First, make a list of all the practical reasons why it might be time to move up. Those reasons might include features such as: more bedrooms; proximity to work and school; a larger backyard with trees; nearby parks and walking paths; and, better access to things you enjoy, like theatre.

Next, make a list of the emotional reasons for making such a move. Those reasons might include memorable get-togethers with friends on a more spacious deck; an easier and less stressful commute to work; more family time with the kids; and, enjoyable Saturday golf at a nearby course.

Finally, take a financial snapshot to determine if you can afford to move up. You’ll need to get a good idea of what your current property will sell for in today’s market, the average price of homes in your desired neighbourhood, and how much mortgage you can afford.

Once you have all of that down on paper, you’ll have a clear picture of your readiness. If the practical and emotional reasons for buying up are compelling, and you can afford to make the move, then, you have your answer.

The time to move is now!

By the way, if you need help in making this determination - especially figuring out what
your home will likely sell for, call today.

Will Your Furniture Fit?

When shopping for a new house or condo, most buyers consider factors such as neighbourhood, proximity to schools, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the kitchen, and more.

These are, of course, all important considerations. But, there’s one question that few buyers ask until it’s too late: “Will our furniture fit?”

This may seem like a trivial concern. But, if you’ve invested thousands of dollars in a new living room set, you’re going to be very disappointed if it looks too crowded in your new home.

Here’s a tip: measure rooms in your current home that contain the furniture you like most. This could be the living room, rec room, master bedroom or even the patio. Then imagine how much smaller - if at all - that room could be while still accommodating the furniture.

When you view properties on the market, take those measurements with you. That way, you’ll be able to quickly determine if room sizes are going to be an issue.

Finding the Perfect “Kid-Friendly” Neighbourhood

Fast forward a few years and imagine that your kids have grown up. They’ve come back to the “old neighbourhood” to reminisce. What will they remember? The playground where they hung out with their friends? The quiet cul-de-sac where they learned to ride their bikes? The park where they picnicked and flew kites?

Lasting memories are built in neighbourhoods where amenities match lifestyles. When shopping for a new home, evaluate a prospective new neighbourhood against the following 3 E’s:

Education: What resources are available in the neighbourhood to help with your child’s education? Are there schools and other services, such as libraries or art studios? How do they rate?

Environment: Is it safe? Do your kids need to cross busy streets to go to parks or to school? Are there other families with kids the same age?

Entertainment: Swimmers need pools and soccer players need a field. Are the right facilities, programs, and leagues available for your kids? Where will you play as a family?

Keep the 3 E’s in mind when choosing your next neighbourhood. You’ll start a lifetime of wonderful memories for you - and your kids.

Mike Bolger & Mortgage Agent Jim Sheffler Talking Mortgages

Such a pleasure to have had the chance to meet with a Mortgage Guru such as Jim Steffler to go over all the most common questions our clients have for us. We hope this will be fun and informative for you but please never be too shy to reach out either http://jimstefflermortgages.com/ for all your real questions and needs today!