Sun
The hunt is on! Time for you and your REALTOR to find that perfect home. But first you need to figure out where you want to buy:
Urban – Ahh, the big city. Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even work. You’ll also have the widest range of housing options.
Suburban – Newer schools, newer shopping centres, bigger yards, bigger homes, no wonder so many people love the suburbs.
Smaller Cities and Towns – There are many wonderful self-contained communities, and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle.
Rural – If you like the idea of owning land, how about a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it’s heaven.
Next, decide what type of home you want.
By now, you probably have a good idea of what type of home is right for you. To familiarize yourself with the terminology, here’s a quick overview:
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a single-story suburban bungalow to a three-story Victorian and everything in between.
SEMI-DETACHED, LINKED OR ATTACHED
Two houses that share a common wall. Usually less money than a fully detached home.
TOWN HOUSE
Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style and joined in a row. They usually share walls on both sides.
THE CONDO ALTERNATIVE
Some people can’t wait to start gardening on Sunday morning. If you are not one of those people, it’s just an elevator ride away. Condos also make a great first home purchase because they’re often thousands of dollars less than a detached home.
Now you know what you want, but let’s talk needs.
Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it’s too small? Then your new home should have at least three bedrooms, and probably have a second bathroom. REALTORS call these must-have features “needs.” Features you’d like to have are called “wants.”
Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your “needs,” and as many of your “wants” as possible.
(Source: Canadian Real Estate Association, www.howrealtorshelp.ca)
© The Vancouver Sun 2007