Are You Ready For Home Ownership?

Owning a home may be your dream, but in order for the purchase to be the happy and satisfying experience it was meant to be, you need to ensure that you are financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.

Some people have a notion that home ownership is like renting, but with the power to have pets and paint the walls whatever color you like. However, while these privileges are available to homeowners in most municipalities, they come with the responsibilities of a mortgage, taxes and home maintenance. Preparing for home ownership requires you to take critical stock of your finances and your expectations.

Questions for Prospective Homeowners

Are you ready to buy?

Owning your own home is about more than just being able to decorate any way you like; it's about being prepared to maintain your home over the years, realizing that part of your income and time will go towards repairs and maintenance. It's about being willing to take the risks of home ownership with a realistic expectation of the rewards.

How much can you afford?

It can be discouraging to find that your salary won't stretch as far as the home you want to own. However, sacrificing a huge part of your income just to pay the mortgage can very quickly make home ownership a burden rather than a point of pride. It's better to buy a modest home now and look at purchasing your "dream home" in a few years.

What is your debt-to-income ratio?

This is something that lenders take very seriously. Your overall debt should not be more than 40% of your income, and your housing debt should not be more than 32%. What 32% of your income will buy depends on where you want to live. In rural or downtrodden areas for example, it can buy a very comfortable residence and ample acreage. In highly sought-after urban areas however, it may not even buy a 400 square foot bachelor suite.

What do you want?

Do you like the idea of cleaning your own gutters? Do you shudder at the thought of lawn care? Would you rather just pay a fee every month and have everything done for you? Would obeying rules about when you can have your garbage cans out bother you, or do you want to live in a neighborhood where everything is 'just so'? The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the search for the right type of property for you.

A REALTOR® Can Help

  • You need a good agent who will work hard for you, and is dedicated to helping you find the right home, at the best price. They want you to find a home that'll make you happy and successful in real estate ownership. When you hire a real estate agent to help you buy your first home, they'll want to know what you want in a home, and how much you can afford. They'll then find a way to merge these two priorities, and find a residence that you'll enjoy owning. The best part is, the seller pays the real estate commission, meaning there's no cost to you to hire a great Realtor to help!
  • Keep your objectives in mind when visiting a home. Sometimes the idea of owning a home can overwhelm your practical sense, so keep your feelings in check. Keep a list handy of the features that you need and want in a home, and judge each home by the list instead of by details that could distract you from your goal. When you're alone with your agent, you can go over the pros and cons of each home. A Realtor can help you stay on track while still keeping their eyes out for a great property.
  • Engage the services of a good real estate lawyer. Your agent will be able to recommend several lawyers in the area who might be a good fit for you. Interview them to ensure that you get someone you can work with. The legalities of transferring land ownership can be dodgy, and a lawyer can be your best defense against future legal troubles. A good lawyer can charge several hundred to over a thousand dollars for their services, but the thousands of dollars saved in legal fees later on makes this a good expense.
  • Make the offer. This can be a maze of "buyer", "seller", "chattels", "deposit", and "completion". Your agent will be happy to prepare the paperwork and go through it with you before submitting it. Remember, the seller may reject or counter your offer, so even at this late date, avoid setting your heart on the home you hope to own. You'll have to write a deposit check to the seller's broker that proves the seriousness of your offer (a few thousand dollars is common in London, excluding new builds).
  • Get all necessary inspections done. A home inspector will check for signs of harmful materials like asbestos, lead paint, and mold. They'll also check for evidence of pests, faulty wiring, and leaks. This is a crucial part of the home purchase. Not getting an inspection done means that you could be stuck in a home with a bad case of black mold and no recourse other than to pay for its removal. A home inspections typically costs around $300 - $500, but some real estate agents will pay this cost for you. Your Realtor will be able to recommend several home inspectors to you.
  • Do a final walkthrough before closing the deal. Your agent will do this with you, to make sure that everything agreed upon is completed prior to the final signing.

From the first meeting that determines your requirements, to the moment that you receive the keys, your REALTOR® will help you with the complicated process of buying a home. If you have any questions about the homebuying process, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

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