If you are a first time buyer or even if you already own a home and are thinking of trading up or down, it's important to have a pretty good idea of what you want, so you can zero in on the location, price range and type of home that's right for you. 

By identifying these important factors early enough in your home search you'll be able to save yourself a lot of time, effort and frustration.

Location is deemed to be one of the most important factors in making any real estate purchase. Suburban or tend to be somewhat newer than the core areas of the cities and while prices may not be substantially different from those of "downtown" you can often get more for your money - like additional square footage, largers rooms, bigger lots and in some cases unique settings. 

Rural areas are also attractive to many home buyers because they tend to be much more picturesque and peaceful. Depending on where you work, this may be an attractive option for you. If so, your budget will likely buy you much more in a rural setting than any other area. 

If you're into urban living and you work in the heart of the city, urban communities tend to offer the broadest range of housing types. People generally willing to pay more to be close to their workplaces as well as all the other amenities a large city offers. 

And when zeroing in on your choices, don't forget that smaller cities and towns have a great to offer as well. There are numerous self-contained communities throughout the Greater Toronto area that offer a pleasant, somewhat slower-paced alternative to life in the the "big city". In addition, prices tend to be lower in these areas. But keep in mind that there aren't as many types of homes available and the number for sale may be limited. 

Once you've decided on the general georgraphic location you'd like to live in, it's time to narrow down your needs so you can zero in on the home of your choice. For instance, if your family is outgrowing your present home, you know you're going to require something bigger and more comfortable - possibly with more bedrooms and perhaps an additional bath. 

In addition to your needs, you should you consider your wants - things you'd like to have if you can afford them and if they are available. As you think of the kind of home to buy, your strategy shold be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all your needs and as many as your wants as possible. 

Once you've done this, prepare a shopping list on paper, arranging these items in order of priority. The time you take to think about these things will prove invaluable later on during your discussions with a real estate agent. 

Ready to start looking? Call Maureen Gilleece or Angela Wood. We make it easy, You make it home.