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Where and
when you buy will affect your life for as long
as you own the house, so it's important to get
your priorities in order. Make a "buying blueprint"
based on your needs and wants - and what is available
in the marketplace. If you need three
bedrooms, put that on your list. If you want
a pool, list that, too. You can always
refine your list when you get down to taking "hard
numbers" with a REALTOR.
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There are
plenty of housing options available in the marketplace.
Survey them all and choose the one that best suits
your current and projected lifestyle.
New Homes come with warranties and
are built to contemporary standards. But don't
expect full grown trees and the character that
comes with the years. Do expect vitality, freshness
and the opportunity to "grow" with your new community.
Resale Homes are more likely to
have established lawns and gardens; any problems
due to shrinkage and settling should be past.
But, repairs may be needed and the decorating
might not be to your taste.
Townhouses and Condominiums often
mean sharing a common wall, hallways, landscaping
and parking areas with your nieghbours. They are
great if you can't be bothered with general maintenance
or repairs (maintenance company usually handles
all that on behalf of the home owners). But you
will also become a voting member of the condominium
corporation and pay a monthly fee to maintain
common areas.
Rural and Small Town properties are
often less expensive than properties in the city.
But commuting expenses are higher and community
services are more limited.
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Victorian.
Colonial. Contemporary. The style of home you
choose will reflect your personal taste. But don't
let "taste" blind you to a home's other features.
Establish your basic requirements first - be it
three bedrooms, an eat-in-kitchen, or a formal
dining room. Set your needs in priority order
according to their importance and you'll be far
more likely to find the home of your dreams.
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Multiple
Listing Service or MLS is an exclusive service
accessible only through a REALTOR - and can be
a valuable tool. Through MLS, the details of a
wide variety of listed properties are made available
to the REALTOR you work with. That can save you
a tremendous amount of time and effort in your
hunt for the right home.
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REALTORS
are experienced in arranging fair deals. He or she
will assist in negotiating an offer, acting as a
mediator to head off potential conflicts between
you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding
contract.
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A REALTOR
is usually an agent for the seller. This means
you normally don't pay for the REALTOR'S services.
The person who sells the house pays.
During the buying process, a lawyer's advice and
services may be necessary. Make arrangements with
your own lawyer.
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