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5 Ways to Make your Next Home more Affordable

Are you thinking about finding your next home? It can be tricky balancing what you want with what you can practically afford. Here are some tips that can make buying your dream home more doable:

1.Save for a larger down payment. A larger down payment can lower your monthly mortgage costs and possibly help you get a better interest rate.

2.Look at neighbourhoods that are less “in demand.” Some areas have the reputation of being desirable or exclusive and – as a result – expensive. But, there may be neighbourhoods that are not as in-demand and yet ideal (and more affordable) for you. Explore that possibility.

3.Consider a fixer-upper. A home that needs some work may be more affordable, and you can save money by doing some of the renovations yourself.

4.Think about buying a smaller home. A smaller property can be more affordable and easier to maintain, especially if you’re downsizing.

5.Research mortgage options. Shop around for the best mortgage rates and consider different types of mortgages. A better mortgage rate and terms may make an out-of-reach home affordable for you.

Any of these tips will help increase the probability that you’ll be able to buy your dream home at a price that works for you.

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Should You Sell Your Current Home First Or Buy First?

If you're a homeowner who's thinking about moving, then you've probably pondered the age-old question — should I sell my home before I buy a new one,or buy my next property first?

Whichever option you choose, it's an intensely personal decision that should take into account individual finances,risk tolerance and current market conditions.Some homeowners who have a strict timeline or budget may take comfort in selling their current residence first, while others who have more flexibility will opt to buy their next home before selling.

If you're on the fence about which option works best for you, here are a few insights that can help you make this crucial decision.


Buying your new home first

For homebuyers who are looking for a specific property and want certainty on their moving timeline, buying their new home first may be the best option. Buying your next home before selling your current one allows you to take your time searching for a property. This is especially beneficial to buyers who want to be in a particular neighbourhood,school district,or desire specific features in a home. Once you've bought your new home, you'll know exactly when your closing date will be, which will help with coordinating the sale of your existing residence.

While the major advantage of buying first is a pre-determined timeline, this can force a short runway for preparing your current home for sale. That means updating, staging and marketing your property will need to happen within a defined time frame, possibly a short one. The risk: if you are unsuccessful in selling your property quickly, you could be stuck with paying two concurrent mortgages.Although bridge financing can be used as a temporary solution to cover the payments of your new and current home,it is expensive and is not applicable in cases where your property hasn't sold yet.

Buying a new property first is best suited to a seller's market, where demand is higher than the number of homes available, and your property has a better chance of selling quickly. For anyone who is working with a strict budget and is relying on the sale of their existing home to determine how much they can afford to buy, purchasing before selling is not recommended.


Selling your current home first

If you're someone who prefers certainty regarding your finances and the sale of your home before making any big real estate decisions,then selling your home before buying a new one may be best. The obvious benefit to selling your home first is gaining a clear financial picture before your next property purchase. Once you sell your home, you'll know exactly when your closing date is and how much you can afford to spend on a new place. If you're relying on the capital from the sale of your current property, or you're not in a position to financially bridge the gap between the two homes,then selling first may be the best choice for you.

On the flip side,selling first can create pressure to quickly buy a new home.This can be especially tough in markets with low inventory, where homeowners may feel rushed to snap up whatever property is available. For those who are looking for a very specific property that may require more time to find, selling their current home before buying may not be in their best interest. However, if you feel more comfortable selling first,it's a good idea to have a backup plan in place in the event that you can't find a new home quickly. Consider living with family or friends temporarily,or securing a short-term rental.

How can we help?

Whether you decide to buy or sell first, our real estate team is a great resource and can help you make this important decision by outlining each scenario, and determining which option is right for you based on the current market and your unique situation.Our expertise on local market trends will help you determine whether buying or selling first is best for you.


Contact us today!

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Low-Cost Staging Ideas for the Outside of your Home

When it comes to selling your home, preparing the exterior can be just as important as preparing the interior. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it can greatly impact their first impression of your property.

Luckily, there are several low-cost outdoor improvements that will make your home more appealing to buyers.

First, consider adding some potted plants or flowers to your front porch or entryway. This can help add some colour and life to your home's exterior, and create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Even in winter, small potted evergreens can have an impact.

Next, consider cleaning up your landscaping. This can include trimming overgrown bushes and trees, mowing the lawn, and removing any dead plants or debris. By doing so, you can make your home look well-maintained and attractive to potential buyers.

You may also want to consider adding some outdoor lighting to your property. This can include adding some solar-powered lights along your driveway or walkway, or even adding some outdoor string lights to your patio or deck. Outdoor lighting can create an inviting atmosphere, and make your home look more attractive to potential buyers.

Finally, consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. Your front door is a focal point of your home's exterior, and painting it will make a big difference. If you’re changing the colour, be sure to pick one that complements the façade.

These outdoor improvements don’t cost much, but will increase your home's curb appeal, which is proven to help sell your property faster and for a better price.

Need more advice on how to create the “wow” factor in your home when you sell? Call today!

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