What do imagine in a home?
When looking at prospective property try to imagine yourself living in it for at least five years. The ideal Ladysmith house is one that can grow and change with your needs.
Here are some questions to consider:
- How much space do you need?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Do you need a home office? Will an open den area be okay or do you need a dedicated office?
- Is there suitable parking? The climate is mild here but you may want an enclosed garage for a workshop.
- If you have a pet, do you need a small yard? Does it need to be fenced?
- What features do you want? Does the master bathroom need a tub or is a shower okay?
- What do you consider your ideal location?
- Is your ideal location convenient for transit, recreation, or entertainment?
Make a list of all the requirements you can think of and then edit them with Cyndi to ensure you have a good selection of properties to see but also a good focus on priorities. As with any purchase, there are compromises to find the right balance for you and your family. If a house doesn’t have something you need or really want but it checks all the other boxes, then ask your lender about a renovation loan bundled with the mortgage.
New or used?
A new house is one that was recently built and has never been lived in. Advantages include:
- Up-to-date materials
- Energy-efficient features
- Lower maintenance costs because everything is new
- 10 year home warranty
A “resale” or used home can offer additional value in terms of possibly a larger lot or a more established neighbourhood but usually has higher maintenance costs or may even need refurbishing.
- Lower purchase price if it needs work
- Vendor may offer financing
- Sometimes in the best locations, bigger lots, or more floor area
- Opportunity to make some customizations like new paint and floors