As soon as you make the decision to start shopping for a new home, there’s usually a mountain of information and advice that you need to sift through. With so much to process, it can be challenging to understand where to begin. Buying a home is an exciting process, but it can also be very overwhelming. And considering it’s the biggest investment you’ll make in your lifetime, it’s important to do it right. To help you prepare and navigate through it all, here are some tips to ensure a smooth purchasing experience with Valecraft.
Know What You Want
If you don’t know what you want in a property, community or neighbourhood, you may be left disappointed and underwhelmed by your selection. So take the time to really sit down and think about what you desire in a home and neighbourhood. Will this be your long-term home where you will raise your family? Do you want a large backyard or close proximity to schools and amenities? Once you have a clear picture of your wants versus your needs, prioritize them from most to least important. They may not always match up to give you exactly what you’re dreaming of so be prepared to be flexible and sacrifice things that are less important.
Be Aware of Your Budget
The first step is determining what your budget is so you understand exactly what you can afford and what you can’t. This will make the process easier by narrowing down the scope of your search. To figure this out, you can use a home mortgage calculator which you can find online. In addition to your income, regular monthly costs, and mortgage, you’ll also need to consider the other common costs when buying a property. This includes taxes, homeowner association fees, insurance, utilities, etc. For those who are first-time homebuyers, you can reduce your monthly mortgage payments with the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive.
Work with an Agent That You Jive With
While our sales consultants take each client through every step of the home-buying process, those new to Ottawa may benefit from using an agent to get to know our communities. The type of real estate agent you decide to use can make a big difference when navigating through the homebuying process. A good agent should have plenty of experience and knowledge in the area where you are looking, and they should also jive with your personality. Working with someone who understands your needs, wants and lifestyle will be more beneficial and helpful in finding the right home and community that suits you best.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
When purchasing a home in one of our communities, it’s important to stay in the loop regarding all news and updates. The housing market is hotter than ever right now and we strongly encourage you to sign up for your desired communities’ email newsletter. This way, you can stay informed and up to date on our availability and never miss out on exciting opportunities. All of the news of our new lot releases are communicated via email newsletters, so don’t miss out! The signup form is at the bottom of this page.
Get Pre-Approved
With so many buyers to compete with these days, it’s imperative to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you aren’t left in the dust. With a mortgage pre-approval, you can be confident and act fast to reserve your desired home before someone else does. That’s why we always recommend getting pre-approved before you begin house hunting. A mortgage agent will help you sort through all of your financial questions and concerns, help you choose the right lender, and get the necessary documents sorted for pre-approval.
Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score will determine if you get approved for a loan or not. Having good credit can also save you thousands of dollars each year since it will determine the amount of interest you’ll pay. A good credit score should be a beacon score of 680 or higher. Make sure you check what yours is early on, well before you begin looking for a property. If you have bad credit, talk to a mortgage agent as they have access to products for those who have a lower score. Also, you can start to improve your credit by paying off debt, credit cards and pay your bills on time.
Complete a Pre-Delivery Inspection
As all of our homes come brand new, there are quality control stages such as the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) that take place prior to occupancy. With the pre-delivery inspection, a Valecraft representative will walk you through the interior and exterior of the home to inspect it for problematic areas, whether incomplete, missing or damaged items. This will take place between 5 to 7 business days before occupancy.
It’s important to do your research before picking the community you want to live in. To learn more about our up and coming communities, contact our team at Valecraft Homes today!
