Finding the right Waterloo Region home isn’t easy and this can be especially true in an active market. It’s very frustrating if you can’t find the exact home you want in the neighbourhood you have your heart set on, or if you seem to be missing out on homes that may have been about right because they are getting snapped up before you can make your move.
In these cases you may, however, simply need to adjust your home buying ‘game plan’ a little. A bit of troubleshooting of your current home shopping criteria may in fact make all the difference, as can choosing the right help. Here are just some areas to troubleshoot to help kick-start your Waterloo Region home search.
Shift Your Neighbourhood Focus (a Little)
Just not seeing what you want in your first choice area? That little section you have had in mind for so long? If so, you have two basic choices; wait things out until the market cools and the housing stock increases – which may be quite a while – or be open to shifting your geographical focus a little.
The fact is that if you’ve been looking in a certain specific neighbourhood for a while without success, it’s less than likely that the perfect home will suddenly appear in your price range out of thin air — and if it does, you’ll probably face stiff competition.
If you don’t want to wait things out, the smart move is to begin explore a different neighborhood. You may very well find that $600,000 in one area just a few miles – or less – away from your target area will get you a bigger house or a more recently renovated one. Do the research on nearby areas, talk to your Realtor and see if they will suit your needs.
Speaking of Realtors, if you will be completely new to the area you are hoping to move to, you may not even be aware of the other options nearby and just what they might offer you.
This is certainly true in the Waterloo Region. Those who don't live here (yet) often don't know much (if anything) about the home buying options just outside Kitchener or Waterloo, and may be missing out on homes for sale they will love if they are just willing to shift their focus by a few kilometers.
Be Open to Doing a Little Cosmetic Work
A great many home buyers are looking primarily for move-in-ready, already renovated homes. They really don’t want to undertake renovations or other updates, even if they would be relatively minor. Who has time for that in their very busy lives? As a result, the well-located home that looks like a bit like a 1970s throwback almost certainly won’t get the same attention as the updated one down the block.
But go tour the home that needs a little TLC. Sometimes a few fresh coats of paint, some refinishing of hardwood floors, the addition of a few new appliances, and other rather simple tweaks can make a world of difference. Go take a look with an open, creative mind, and you may well be very pleasantly surprised.
Get Together for a Real Conversation
One of the hardest things for couples and/or families to when property shopping to do is compromise on their wants and needs when it comes to basic home requirements.
Often, half of the couple just won’t back down on a maybe not completely essential feature like an extra half bath, additional bedroom or full finished basement. And that stalls the search considerably.
Instead of allowing that to happen, sit down for a serious conversation about possible compromises. Think long and hard about your short-term and long-term needs. Can you come together as a family to find a meaningful compromise that will suit everyone? Often, the answer is yes, it just may take a few sessions to get there.
Choose the Right Buyer's Agent
When embarking on the journey of finding the right Waterloo Region home, enlisting the help of a buyer's agent can greatly enhance your experience and increase your chances of success. Here's why opting for a buyer's agent instead of going it alone is a better choice:
Expert Guidance and Support: A buyer's agent brings expert guidance and support to your home hunt. We are well-versed in the real estate market, trends, and regulations, allowing them to provide valuable insights and advice throughout the process. Our expertise can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
Access to Comprehensive Listings: One of the key advantages of working with a buyer's agent is our access to the most comprehensive listings. We not only have full access to the MLS but also an extensive network and resources that enable us to discover properties that may not be readily available to the general public. By tapping into these exclusive listings, you have a wider range of options to consider, increasing your chances of finding your dream home.
Customized Property Searches: Buyer's agents take the time to understand your specific needs, preferences, and budget. With this information, we can conduct detailed, customized property searches on your behalf, saving you time and effort. By filtering out unsuitable properties and presenting you with tailored options, we streamline the home search process and ensure you focus on the most relevant choices.
Skilled Negotiation: Negotiating the terms of a home purchase can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. A buyer's agent is skilled in negotiation and acts as your advocate. They will work diligently to secure the best possible price and terms for your chosen property, leveraging their market knowledge and expertise to your advantage.
Local Market Insights: Buyer's agents possess a deep understanding of the local market, including specific neighborhoods, amenities, school districts, and future development plans. We can provide you with valuable insights and information about the areas you're interested in, helping you make informed decisions. This local expertise is particularly advantageous if you're new to the Waterloo Region or considering expanding your search beyond your initial target area.
Professional Network: Throughout the home buying process, you may need assistance from various professionals, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, or real estate attorneys. Buyer's agents have established connections within the industry and can provide recommendations for reliable and reputable service providers. This network of professionals ensures a smoother and more efficient transaction.
Support at Every Step: Buying a home involves multiple stages, from searching and viewing properties to navigating paperwork and closing the deal. A buyer's agent is there to support you at every step, offering guidance, answering your questions, and providing clarity on complex procedures. Our presence brings peace of mind, knowing that you have a dedicated professional looking out for your best interests.
Considering buying or selling a Waterloo Region home? Let Team Pinto use their huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs here