Time to Buy a Home in Guelph: New Year’s Resolutions

2016 - Time to Buy a Home in GuelphAnd… we’re off! Another year has begun and, if it’s anything like the last few January’s have been in Guelph, the real estate market is likely to pick up significantly. So, if you’re looking to buy a home in Guelph, you’ll need to get ready to jump into the process. Before you do, here are five New Year’s Resolutions that I think make perfect sense for Guelph home buyers:

  1. Get Out Quickly. The market can move very quickly in Guelph at this time of year. It’s not the time to sit and “give it a few days” or wait around to see what else might pop up. Work with a Guelph Realtor who can move quickly to book showings for you, ideally on day one of a new listing. Not local? Ask your agent to preview homes for you early on, and call you to report on how promising the property looks. I do this regularly for my clients who are either traveling a lot, or who live outside of town.
  2. Don’t Set Yourself Up to Be House Poor. Take a hard look at your numbers and make sure that you are purchasing a home that is within your means. There is nothing fun about working hard just to stay in a house. Be sure that you’re factoring in all of the costs associated with buying, furnishing, maintaining, and upgrading your home.
  3. Don’t Lose Your Head in Competition. I see it every January and February (as well as other times of the year) in Guelph. We go from a quiet December with poor inventory in home sales, and then… bammo! It’s great, and it’s exciting – but be careful. If you find yourself in competition, and you very likely will, just go into the process with some common sense. Don’t overpay. Don’t waive important conditions that are a part of basic, good due diligence.
  4. Be Positive. You know what, buying a house should be an enjoyable and fun process. It’s a shame that a lot of people have negative experiences. If you’re not enjoying the process and you don’t feel like you’re getting closer to a successful purchase, you can always re-evaluate your choice in a Realtor.
  5. Get Your Own Representation. If you’ve just been heading out to open houses and calling Listing Agents under the assumption that you’ll get a better deal… you’re missing out. First, you’re not going to get a better deal, because the Listing Agent works for the Seller. Instead, get your own representation and let a seasoned Realtor negotiate on your behalf. The right Realtor will make all the difference in the world for you. (The same goes for the wrong Realtor.)

It’s going to be a great year in Guelph real estate. Buyers: Time to get out there and find a great home. Just give some consideration to these Five Resolutions before you do so.

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