If your lifestyle is too big and your house is too small, there’s only one thing to do. It’s time to begin the search for a home with more room to breathe. A larger home offers many benefits, especially as your family grows and everyone needs their own space and privacy.
The good news is that you’ll find every type of housing structure imaginable in Etobicoke, from bungalows on massive lots to custom-built houses that could be featured in a luxury home magazine. The challenging part is finding one and acting quickly in this current fast-paced market. What type of home is right for you and where should you begin your search? In this post, you’ll find all those answers and more!
Clarify Your Goal
As we just mentioned, Etobicoke has it all: Condos, townhouses, bungalows and back splits, two-storeys, three-storeys, heritage homes and modern splendours, so many homes, so little time! Right now, your vision might be a little fuzzy, so your first step is to bring it into focus. A successful home purchase begins by narrowing your search and clarifying your goal.
If you’re looking for more space and a backyard, a condo is likely not what you’re looking for. Now you have a whole bunch of potentials you can cross off your list, and your search just got that much easier.
The majestic homes in the Kingsway have more space than you’ll ever need, providing a lifestyle that’s both luxurious and laid back. However, if your home-buying budget is somewhat limited, you may have to cross these off your list as well. Not to worry, though, as you can always look to the more reasonable Etobicoke neighbourhoods that still offer a high quality of life for families. If you have the budget for luxury, this might be the perfect neighbourhood to focus on. For even more upscale possibilities, turn your eyes to Edenbridge, Princess Gardens, or Princess Anne Manor.
Buying or selling a house is more than just a transaction. The posts below will take you behind the scenes and help solidify your understanding of the entire process:
- What Is a Real Estate Exclusive?
- What Is the Real Estate Closing Process in Canada?
- Everything You Need to Know About Land Transfer Taxes
Create Your Detailed Wishlist
You don’t always get every last feature you want when searching for a home, particularly when the market is tight. But having a detailed list of all of your wants, needs, and dealbreakers can help you get as close to “perfect” as possible. There’s almost something magical about this process, so it’s well worth your while to give it some thought! Here are some examples to kickstart your imagination:
Needs
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms does your ideal house have?
- Should your new house be close to a school?
- What size lot are you looking for?
- Do you prefer a ground floor laundry room?
- Is every member of your family okay with stairs and multiple levels?
Wants
- Would you prefer an ensuite in the primary bedroom?
- Are you dreaming of an in-ground pool in the backyard?
- Should your yard be meticulously landscaped?
- Do you prefer hardwood floors throughout the home?
Dealbreakers
- Does the house have a large enough driveway?
- Are you avoiding corner lots and excessive walkways that need more maintenance in the winter?
- Does the home need more work than you’re willing to put in?
Everyone has different wishes and priorities when it comes to a new house, so your list might look completely different from someone else’s. And don’t forget to get the rest of your family members involved as they might think of something that would otherwise slip your mind.
While deciding what you need and what’s a dealbreaker, keep in mind that many things about a house can be changed easily enough. For example, if everything else is perfect but you hate all of the carpets, you might not want to write off that home too quickly.
If you’re ready to move past the planning stages of buying a house, here are some related reads to help you take the next step:
- Must-Have Features for Luxury Home Buyers in Etobicoke
- 5 Signs You’ve Found The Right Home
- Should You Buy a Tear-Down House in Etobicoke?
A House That Fits Your Lifestyle
You also want to keep your life goals in mind when house hunting. One of the first questions to ask yourself is, “How long do you plan to live in the home?” If you’re looking for somewhere to put down roots so you never have to move again, your needs will be different. You’ll be more likely to overlook minor imperfections that you can change over time. And you might want to consider purchasing a house that is bigger than what you currently need, maybe even with the potential for a secondary suite later on. If all goes well, your home will suit your needs and dreams now, as your family grows, and even throughout your retirement years.
What if you’re looking for a house for the short term? In that case, getting the right price becomes even more essential. You will also be very conscious about the resale value should you decide to sell a few years from now so that your equity and buying power grows as much as possible. The best price and the right terms now are the keys to empowering your next choices in life.
Finding the Right Experts
When you start contemplating buying a new home, you may feel like there are more questions than answers, and every answer just brings about even more questions! That is normal when undertaking such a significant venture. The trick is to work with a local real estate agent who understands your needs and will keep your best interests in mind. With the right expert by your side, personalized answers to your toughest questions are never more than a phone call away.
Are you ready to start the hunt for a new home in Etobicoke? We are happy to answer any burning questions you have right now. Reach out to us at ana@asantos.ca or call us at 647.232.7317 to start the conversation today.