Aurora Ontario Real Estate

So, you've decided you want to own a home. It's a popular dream. For most people, with the right planning, it can become a reality. But there is a lot to know before you start moving.

What Does Your Future Lifestyle Hold?
How many bedrooms will you one day require? Your preschoolers will be teens someday. Are you planning to stay in your home that long? Perhaps your teens are ready to move out on their own. What will you do with all the extra space? When you're thinking about accommodating your family's needs, think of things like parking. How many cars will require space? You'll also want to consider proximity to - and the reputation of - schools in the area.

What is your work situation? These days people tend to change jobs frequently, and sometimes the best way to get a promotion is to move to another company. If you might be transferred, will you be able to sell quickly? Keeping work in mind, how long do you want to spend commuting? Do you drive or rely on public transportation? As you can see, you will want to give some thought to how long you intend to stay in your home. It may be difficult to answer before you've even found your home, but if it's your first home give some thought to the resale value when it is time to upgrade. On the other hand, if you're planning to stay in your home for a long time, consider your future needs and purchase a home that will accommodate them.

Additional considerations:
Do you live a maintenance-averse lifestyle? (brick vs. wood siding; large lawns vs. small gardens; etc.)
Is your lifestyle more geared to a "fixer-upper" fantasy?
Which neighborhood is right for you - established or new, handy to downtown or more quiet?
What kind of style will best meet your needs - two-storey, splitlevel or bungalow?
In which rooms will your family spend most of its time - kitchen, family room, living room, rec room?
How many bathrooms will your family require?
Will you require the extra space afforded by a finished basement?
How much closet space will your family require?
What kind of heating system do you prefer?
Is air-conditioning a necessity?
Do family allergies necessitate hardwood floors, as opposed to broadloom?

Prepare your list.
As you can imagine, each type of home has its advantages and drawbacks, and no two buyers will have the same wants and needs. The only way to truly evaluate which home is right for you, outside of price, is to decide what you absolutely must have, and what you can live without. Before you go house hunting, prepare a list of "can't live without" features, and a list of "would be great if..." features.

There are a number of other factors involved in the process of house buying that you should be introduced to, or reminded about. The following information should help make you a confident home hunting expert.

Buyers Page