An Article From Nevin Braind : Sales Representative Specializing In Representing Home Buyers
Nevin Briand : Sale Representative, Search Realty Corp., Brokerage
Home Buying Tips
Chocolate chip cookies, rocky road ice cream, naps, watching my stepson play baseball, and taking road trips with my family are just some of the many things I love in life. I also feel blessed for having a job that I absolutely enjoy going to every day.
Being a realtor wasn’t something I set out to be in life… it’s something that just happened naturally. In fact, I had been working in the banking industry for years before I got the real estate fever. It really wasn’t until I started selling pre-construction condos before I knew that this was the career path I wanted to follow.
It was the art of negotiation that initially piqued my interests, but it was the personal interaction with people that I fell in love with. Kinda like, I came for a coffee but stayed for the apple pie.
Buying a home is probably the most valuable and important purchase you will ever make. It can be very stressful, challenging and downright overwhelming… but it doesn’t have to be. My job is to make this process as stress-free as possible, making it a time you will remember always, and a time you’ll want to tell all your friends and family about.
Here are some helpful tips on how you can help me, help you find your next dream home.
- Know your needs and wants – Make a list of all the things your new home must have, such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the distance to school or work. Then make another list of things you would like your new home to have. Maybe it’s a finished basement that you can use as a man cave, or a pool for the kids to splash around in during the summer, or maybe it’s a spare room to be used as an office. The more details you can provide on your needs and wants, the better job I can do in finding you a great home.
- Be Open-Minded – Far too often, I hear from buyers that they are looking for a house that is “move-in ready”. This, my friends, does not exist… well not very often anyway. There will always be something that needs to be done to a house to make it YOUR home. Some houses may need extensive renovations to bring them to the 21st century, and others will simply need a few cans of paint. Trust that I will find you a home that meets all of your NEEDS and some of your WANTS, within your budget.
- Get pre-approved – It is a very hot real estate market and knowing what you can afford is key to success. Before starting to look at homes, talk to a mortgage professional to avoid any disappointment.
- Be honest – I know that some buyers are ready to hit the gate and buy a house within a few months, but I also know that other buyers like to just “browse” and won’t be ready to make an offer for another year. Both situations are fine… but please, just be honest with me about your timeline.
- Be available – I completely understand what it means to have a busy schedule. It’s not uncommon for people to work 9+ hours a day, rush back home to make or eat dinner, only to turn right around and rush off to soccer practice with one child and to piano lessons with the other. I get it… there are just so many hours in a day. I often speak with buyers about a fantastic property that was just listed, and that I know would be perfect for them, only to be told that they can’t see it until Saturday… and it’s only Tuesday. If you are house-hunting, you MUST make time in your schedule to view properties or you may miss out on a great opportunity.
- Rely on your agent’s expertise – I am a resource that will save you time and money when it comes to making the most important purchase of your life. It is my job to study market conditions and to understand current trends. I spend countless hours previewing new listings, learning about neighborhoods, and networking with other agents. Trust that I know what is currently available, what homes have previously sold for and what their value really is.
A buyer needs to be much like a boy scout… always prepared! Due to low interest rates and a growing population, the demand for housing is greater than ever in Mississauga, and the Great Toronto Area. As a result, today’s real estate market is highly competitive and very fast-paced. Multiple offer situations are now commonplace and whether you are a first-time buyer or downsizing, you need to be prepared. I hope these tips are helpful and when you are ready to buy, give me a call or send me an email and together we’ll find you the perfect home.
(Oh yeah, did I mention I was a proud member of the 1st Battalion Gaspe Scout Troop?)
If you’re considering making a move don’t hesitate to contact Nevin Briand directly at 416.460.7333 or Nevin@SearchRealty.ca
