Before you even begin looking for a home, it's important to understand your needs. Take some time to think carefully about the type of house that's best-suited for your family. For example, does your household need a lot of bedrooms and washrooms for every relative? Is a backyard pool something you'd like to have for your kids and guests? Do you want to live close to your children's school, or even a shopping center? These are just some of the things worth considering before you start your new home search.
Additionally, it's advisable to acquaint yourself with various forms of homeownership, as this knowledge can assist you in refining your search for the perfect home. For example, 'freehold' signifies sole ownership of a house, where the property is entirely yours. In contrast, condominium ownership involves the responsibility of caring for the unit's interior and paying maintenance fees to a homeowners' association (HOA). A distinct category is 'co-op,' similar to a condominium but entailing renting a unit within a shared building and covering maintenance and repair expenses.Once you've pinpointed specific criteria for your new home, you can commence your exploration of available properties for sale.

There is a multitude of real estate agents competing for the attention of homebuyers. The question is, how do you select the one who's the best fit for you? This decision is of utmost importance since your real estate agent will serve as your representative, safeguarding your best interests. It's advisable to choose someone you can place your trust in and who comprehends your personal preferences for your potential new home.
Here are some tips to assist you in finding the ideal REALTOR® to aid in your home search:

• Examine reviews from previous clients to gauge their feedback and satisfaction. Reputable realtors often have a substantial number of reviews, and you can even reach out to their clients for direct insights. Don't hesitate to ask pertinent questions.
• Arrange an in-person meeting at your home to discuss their services and ascertain the extent of their offerings. Inquire about provisions like complimentary staging and the depth of their service. Ensuring your home is presented at its best is crucial to attracting as many potential buyers as possible.
• Request information on their performance statistics. For instance, understanding their average sales cycle compared to the competition or their sold price versus listing price ratio can be informative. This data will help you avoid an unrealistic listing price just to secure your listing.
• Inquire about any additional services they offer, such as client events or home upgrades. What sets them apart from their competitors? It's essential to work with someone who genuinely cares about the outcome of your sale, rather than treating you as just another transaction.

Keep in mind that the perfect REALTOR® is a seasoned professional with in-depth knowledge of your area. An outstanding agent provides high-quality services to assist you in achieving your goals with minimal stress.

There are many ways to find the home of your dreams!
First, before you start shopping properties for sale, it's a good idea to make sure you and your family are financially ready for home ownership. Make sure to have a budget when you go shopping.
You can use my very handy affordability calculator by clicking here.
An important thing to keep in mind is your down payments. A down payment is a percentage of the total cost of a home that you'll need to pay. The more money you put down, the more you'll save on monthly payments and the cost of borrowing.
Another crucial task is obtaining pre-approval for a mortgage. Mortgage pre-approval from a lender provides you with an estimate of the amount you can comfortably afford when seeking a new home.
With these considerations in mind, you can begin your home search with confidence! I recommend exploring houses in neighborhoods near your current residence, reviewing local newspaper real estate listings/websites, or attending open houses in your area.
Searching for homes can be an enjoyable and exciting process! You can browse Oakville properties for sale using the smart listings search on my website here.

Once you've found a house that you and your loved ones can agree on, it's time to make an offer. Remember, not all offers are the same - and that's where your real estate agent comes in.
A real estate agent's job is to help you understand the specific terms and conditions included in your offer. For example, the price you want to pay, financing conditions, and other things like inclusions and exclusions are subjects a real estate agent can explain more thoroughly.
The price of your prospective new home isn't the only thing that requires your careful attention. Homebuyers should look carefully at the other details included in potential sales. Appliances, chandeliers, and even minor renovations can be included in a home's selling offer. Shorter or longer closing dates can also be specified in the offer.
If there is something in the offer that doesn't satisfy the seller, it's worth your time to consider making a counter-offer or even entering negotiations to help you get a price that you think is fair

Congratulations - you're nearly there! Remember to be mindful of any closing costs associated with the sale that need to be paid either by or on your new home's closing date. These costs can include mortgage application fees, inspections, and legal fees. But once these miscellaneous fees are taken care of, you and your loved ones will be free to move into your new home!
Contact TIL HOMES today with questions or concerns about the home buying process, or to find out more about Oakville properties for sale now.