By Johanna Pigeon

Let’s face it…moving is just not fun! If you plan it right you can make it that much less stressful.

The very first thing on your list is to hire movers.  Just trust me on this one! The cost of hiring the pros is really not much more that renting a van and doing it yourself.  The time you save alone is priceless and you keep peace with your friends.  Make sure they are insured, get a couple of quotes and inquire about additional costs (like if travel time is included?).  Be accurate when discussing the amount of stuff to be moved or better yet, have them come by to see for themselves and get a more accurate figure.

Second, do a thorough edit of what you will actually use in your new place and donate the rest.  This accomplishes two things…you’ll have less to move and gives someone else the pleasure of acquiring your gently used goods.

Contact your health insurance, bank and newspaper/magazine subscriptions

Register your change of address with the postal office

Arrange for the change over of utilities and services….gas company, hydro, cable, phone, etc

Co-ordinate the elevator(s) if necessary.  Call well ahead to get the date you want… Sundays are often out of the question.  Keep in mind a deposit may be required.

Do your last bit of laundry the day before.

Pack and move any valuables yourself.  Mark them as “do not load – for car”

Gather all the keys for the new owners.  Don’t forget the garage and shed keys! Leave the code for the security system if you have one.

Empty the freezer and retrieve your condiments from the fridge!

Make a list of your inventory. Check against the list when the movers unload the truck. Note any damage.

Do you have a moving tip, or a story to share? Post Here!

By Johanna Pigeon, Broker 

It is imperative to find the right real estate professional that will understand and listen to your needs.  You will be spending a lot time together, discussing short term and long term goals and going through the stresses that come with such a large decision!  You will want to be completely comfortable with your agent, have total confidence in their skills and maintain clear lines of communication. 

 So where to start?

Ask around…friends, family members or co-workers who can highly recommend a salesperson from positive past experience.

Search the internet with key words that describe the type of home you wish to buy.

Visit open houses in the neighbourhood you want to purchase.  The Salesperson hosting the open house will likely be knowledgeable on surrounding home values and nearby amenities.

Drop in the local Real Estate office and jot down a couple of names.

Look for someone who will take the time to meet with you for a home buying/selling consultation.  You’ll want a real estate professional who will be a consultant, who will get to know your needs, lifestyle and be able to walk you through the buying or selling process.

Ask if they have a list of reliable services such as home inspectors, mortgage brokers and real estate lawyers.

Once you have a short list, set up an appointment and interview them.  You are in fact hiring them so ask your questions and see if you are compatible.

 A good real estate professional takes pride in their work and provides high value service.

Johanna Pigeon, Broker

When buying a home there’s always the usual list of “must haves” and the “nice to have” …it’s important to differentiate between the two before you go out and view homes.

Your wish list will not only serve to keep you focused when on the hunt but also be a valuable guide for your real estate professional to find the right fit.  It also opens up discussion if you’re not the sole decision maker…you may be surprised with what your  co-buyer deems essential which may lead to some compromises. Take into account your budget, housing needs and lifestyle!

1. Your price range will be the primary factor of which areas are available to you.
2. Make a list of the typical housing needs; minimum bedrooms/bathrooms, parking, deck/balcony, etc…
3. House or condo? Are you prepared and willing to maintain a home (who’s going to cut the grass!) or is the freedom of condo living more your speed?
4. Are you an “urban, walk out the front door with access to all the conveniences” kind of person…cafes, restaurants, galleries, shops.
5. Are you willing to commute to get that larger home with the great big backyard? Test drive rush hour traffic beforehand …could you handle it daily?
6. Are schools and day care a factor?
7. Need to be close to transit? Check the schedule and try out the bus route.
8. Try on a neighbourhood…hang out for the afternoon and get a good feel for it. Return at night with a friend; would you be comfortable coming home late from work?
9. And how much work are you willing to put into it?  Cosmetic work only, ready for that handyman special or looking for move-in condition?

Johanna Pigeon, Broker

Mortgage Pre-Approval…Down payment…Deposit…Mortgage Insurance…Closing Costs…Land Transfer Tax…huh?  Are you ready?! Here’s a quick guide to help get your finances in order before you start shopping!

Don’t end up house poor, before you take the plunge find out what you can afford.

• Visit your bank or mortgage broker.  They will pre-qualify you which will determine your home buying power. 
• If you have less than 20% of the purchase price, the mortgage will need to be insured. The premiums can be rolled into your mortgage however the GST on the premiums will need to be paid on closing. 

What happens with your money?

• The ‘deposit’ accompanies your offer of Purchase and Sale and will be held in the listing brokerage’s trust account until you take possession. It will then be credited against the purchase price. 
• Typically a 5% deposit of the purchase price is a sign of good faith (Yes, it might very well be your entire down payment! The deposit amount may differ by city).
• Your deposit should be readily available; if you need a few days to access your funds be sure to arrange for this before you start your search!

Factor in closing costs which are in addition to your down payment. 

• This includes lawyer fees and associated disbursements such as mortgage and deed registration.
• Any adjustments such as prepaid water or property taxes.
• Provicial and City of Toronto land transfer taxes (See here for first-time home buyer rebates)
• Title Insurance.
• Count on roughly 2% of the purchase price for a first time buyer in the city of Toronto, 3% for previous home owners.

 

 Have a question about whether you are ready to buy a home? Post here?