Équipe Lefrançois
Buyer advice

5 steps to stay focused when buying a home

Dreaming of buying your first home? Are you already a homeowner and want to embark on a new real estate project? It's an exciting time when, most of the time, you're going to go with your heart.

3 min read

A new environment awaits you, another life is about to begin… But it's best to keep a cool head so that this adventure goes as smoothly as possible! Discover in this article the 5 steps to follow to stay focused during your real estate purchase.

1 - Evaluate your borrowing capacity

By starting to evaluate your borrowing capacity, you will have a precise idea of the amount of the mortgage loan you will be able to obtain to carry out your project. This pre-approval will allow you to better define your field of research and to know, for example, if you can integrate certain additional costs such as work.

It is important to determine your real borrowing capacity, there is an important difference between the amount authorized by the bank and the amount you wish to borrow and that will allow you to maintain the lifestyle you want. When making such a large purchase, it is recommended that you evaluate different scenarios.

2 - Make a list of advantages and disadvantages

The first instinct when finding a property is to look at its exterior and interior. But don't just focus on this point. Do not hesitate to ask all the questions that cross your mind during the visit. Then, make a list of the positives and negatives when you get home in peace. Here are some ideas that will help you: How do you feel about the city, the neighborhood? Do you like the residence? What are the special features to remember? Will you have to do any work in the long term?

By proceeding this way, you will be sure to remain objective!

3 - Analyze the environment

Take the time to study the environment of your future property. Sometimes, when we are under the spell of a house, we forget the details! Are there any unpleasant smells? Are the neighbors noisy? From one neighborhood to another, everything can change. To better understand this, we recommend that you make several visits on different days and at different times. This way, you can become aware of certain nuisances and make sure that the environment suits you or not.

4 - Rely on the know-how of your real estate broker

Finally, you have found the property of your dreams? Don't rush and take the time to discuss it with your real estate broker, he will be able to advise you and bring you his objective and professional view. He will focus on the most important points such as the general condition of the property, the price, the conditions of purchase, what the transaction includes or not, the date of availability, etc.

5 - Don't skip steps in your real estate purchase!

It's not easy but you'll have to be patient! Buying a house or a condo requires that you respect specific steps. Your real estate broker will help you, among other things, with analyzing the seller's declaration and the inspection. He will also be able to prepare the offer to purchase to ensure that you are well protected and get the best conditions. He will also accompany you to the notary's office after having prepared all the necessary documents. Then prepare for the move!

As you can see, be patient and do not rush things. And above all, call on a real estate broker to benefit from his know-how and his advice at every step: you will be sure to live your project in complete serenity!

Planning a real estate purchase in Montreal?

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