Are you a first-time home buyer? Whether you are looking at purchasing a property in Toronto, Hamilton or Pickering, these 3 tips can help save you a lot of stress and time. Knowing what should and needs to be done so you can confidently make an offer on your first home is critical.

We hope these tips will help you on your way to making real estate a reality.

1. Get a Pre-Approval

These days, don’t be afraid to shop around at the big banks as well as private lenders to see what they can offer you. A referral to a Broker is also a great idea; ask your family, friends and your Realtor if they can share with you. Don’t forget that purchasing a property comes with other costs such as, Land Transfer Tax (in Toronto there are two types!), Closing costs (think Lawyer fees, etc.), moving costs and other miscellaneous items that may pop up.

2. Know the Neighbourhood and Type of Property you want to Own

Drive around the neighbourhoods that you would like to own in. Perhaps you already have family and friends living there and can see yourself there too. Does the neighbourhood offer the amenities that suit your lifestyle? It’s wise to consider things like proximity to transit, highways, schools, green space, groceries, libraries, etc. Do you want a house or a condo? Are there any new developments popping up in the area you should be aware of that make the location a good/bad investment? Do your research and finally, stay within budget!

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3. Work with a Local and Trusted Realtor

Nowadays, referrals and Google reviews play a big part when choosing who you want to work with. Working with a local Realtor that lives and works in the area where you want to live is key. Be wary of working with your Uncle who services Haliburton when you want to purchase in Etobicoke. They may not have done their homework and won’t know anything about the area. The Realtor you want to work with should know the ins and outs of the neighbourhood, what’s happening in the area, what homes have sold for and can help you with the decision to make a good investment based on your criteria. They will also be able to negotiate on your behalf when it comes to offering on properties.

For more tips and information, check out our Buying with Us page here.

Are you more of a visual person? Watch our YouTube short right here and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more South Etobicoke real estate advice!