Buying

Let me help you every step of the way. When purchasing a home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions! The primary one is whether you are actually prepared to purchase a home. Locating the perfect home is not always an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. Although, once you have determined that you are ready to move forward with the required effort towards your home-purchasing goal, the rewards are unquestionable.


While at your side each step of the way, I will make the process of purchasing a home easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale that match your specifications, and help you through the myriad of details attending the actual purchase.


I am always familiar with the current homes on the market, and I know neighborhood values well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search.

Your First Step

Your first step to buying a home is to first ask yourself why you want to buy a home: to stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house? Next, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves."


Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighborhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighborhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work.


Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Someday you or your heirs will want to sell. Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home.

Your Next Step: Loan Pre-Qualification

Once you have addressed the above needs, your next step in the purchasing process is to get pre-qualified with a mortgage company. This can be done over the phone or even online in a matter of minutes.


Call me and I will refer you to a mortgage professional that has an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.

I Will Find The Right Homes For You

Once you've been pre-qualified and know what price range you want to stay in, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system to locate them.


I have the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate the homes on the market that match your specifications. You can even search my listings here at my website.

I Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

I will help you complete your financing and inspections, and close on the transaction. My top priority is to make sure that your home buying experience is pleasant, cost-efficient, and successful.


3 Questions Seniors Should Ask When Planning Their Downsizing Move

 

Have you decided to downsize your home during retirement? Wondering how to handle the move and your current home? There are so many tiny steps you need to take in order to keep the downsizing process running smoothly. And when you ask yourself the following questions, planning that move and deciding what to do with your current home may just feel a little easier. So, here’s where to start when you are a senior downsizing your home in retirement. 

 

How Will I Manage My Downsizing Move? 

 

When it comes to downsizing, no matter what you decide to do with your current home, this is one of the first questions you need to ask yourself. For seniors, professional moves can be easier to manage, but you will need to take care of a few steps on your own leading up to moving day. Those steps include having multiple moving companies provide appraisals and quotes and securing any medical records or possessions you would like to move on your own. Using a professional moving service can take a lot of the stress and headache out of a downsizing move, so this may be the right choice for many seniors.

 

If you prefer to DIY a move, you will need to do some planning as well. Without the pros packing your home for you, that means gathering packing supplies, packing your belongings, renting a moving truck, and finding helpers to move heavier items, all before your target moving date. Whether you DIY or hire a pro for your move, you will also want to keep a day-of bag with you on moving day so you will have access to medications, toiletries, extra clothing, and other essential items for those first nights in a new home. 

 

Where Can I Find Local Housing Market Info? 

 

If you are wondering what to do with your current home, you may be thinking about the potential financial perks of either renting or selling your home. To determine whether selling now makes sense, you can usereal estate search apps to unearth statistics and info regarding the local real estate market, such as how much homes are selling for and how long listings sit on the market.

 

Most apps and search engines will also provide details around whether the local housing market is a buyer’s or seller’s market. If you see signs of a buyer’s market, you may have a harder time moving your home or you may end up with lower offers; however, signs of a seller’s market could mean your home will sell faster and perhaps for a greater profit. While you can do some preliminary research online, you will also want to speak with a realtor to make a truly informed decision around selling your current home. This realtor may also be able to provide some current rental statistics if you are still considering renting out your current home. 

 

Should I Consider Potential Tax Implications? 

 

Gifting your current home to your family may seem like the least complicated choice right now, but to avoid tax complications, you need to be careful. The transaction could be subject to tax penalties that can impact you and your family member. As long as you find ways around these tax penalties, keeping the house in your family shouldn’t be too complicated of a process. If you end up renting out your home instead of gifting it, you should be aware of residential rental rules that could potentially lower your tax bill and make your move even more budget-friendly. Finally, don’t overlook the potential for capital gains tax implications if you choose to sell your current home, and you owned that home for several years. If the value of that property has gone up during your ownership, you could end up owing more taxes later. 

 

Deciding what to do with your current home before downsizing can be a tough decision. By asking yourself some serious questions and planning your move in the process, you can make the decision that makes the best sense for your home, for you, for your family, and for the best quality of life during your golden years. 

 

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Contact Brent to Start Your Home Search!

Brent Lewis
Cell: 778-888-9187
Office: 604-602-1111
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