Blog series: Tips #3 & 4 For Fall Home Buyers

Buying a home this fall? These 7 tips could help you land your dream home

Whether you’re buying a house for the first time, or selling your first home and buying your second, navigating the competitive fall housing market takes dedication. These 7 tips can help you put your best foot forward.

Welcome back, for tip #3 & 4

Find an agent who works full-time

Not all real estate agents work full time. Especially in a competitive seller’s market, it may be in your best interest to work with an agent who dedicates their working life to real estate.

For instance, how can you book an appointment to view a home as fast as possible, if your agent is only working 2-3 days a week?

If your agent has a tight schedule in a busy market, they should be able to have a trusted and licensed colleague help out.

Bring your marbles

Bringing your marbles means showing up ready to make decisions on a property – and then going back for a second visit!

I literally carry a marble in my purse (among other tools), but my mention of carrying a marble here signifies being prepared and being ready for next steps when you’re looking at houses.

(As a tool, not a just a symbol, the marble can help determine if there is a significant slope in the home’s floor, which could indicate a larger issue. While most basements will naturally have more uneven floors, a significant main floor or second floor slope could be something to investigate further).

In being the most prepared, your next steps would be: if you’re interested in a house, you could order a home inspection or review one ordered by the sellers. Most importantly, make sure your financing is in order. Confirm pre-approval for a mortgage and have the deposit money available in your bank account.

The last thing a home buyer wants is to lose out on a new home because finances weren’t prepared in advance – especially in Toronto’s hot housing market, where in multiple offer scenarios it is common for buyers to submit ‘firm’ offers with finance and/or home inspection conditions already waived.

Return next time for tip #5!