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Yes it can be fun to look at houses. While this stage of the home-buying process is exciting, you still need to keep your excitement level in check! Here are some tips to keep your focus throughout the house hunt:

• Stick within your budget – look at homes you can afford, not those outside of your price range.
• Don’t let your heart rule over your head. You may fall in love with a property, but if it is beyond your means, it is not the right house for you.
• Be flexible. Don’t be disappointed if the houses in your price range differ from your dream. Buy the home you can afford rather than the home that “has it all.” You can always make changes to some of the features over time. In the end you’ll be thankful you did not over extend yourself!
• Compare what you’d like to have with what you really need and make sure to let me know these points so that I can better source houses for you to view.

Are you part of the Canadian Military and being transferred to Kingston? Whatever brings you to Kingston, I am here to help provide a smooth transition to your new home. Interested in planning a house hunting trip soon, here are some things to expect when you work with me:

• A comprehensive home buyers package sent to you prior to your arrival for your house hunting trip.
• Detailed information on the location of amenities, current listings and the areas of interest for your new home.
• A list of reputable lenders, lawyers, insurance providers and more, to help you with your home purchase.
• When you arrive, I’ll try to clear my schedule for the entire time you are here. My goal is to find you a a suitable home within the time frame you have provided me with for your search. You can count on me thoughout your entire house hunting trip!
• Professional and dedicated service from start to finish!

Call me at 613-583-8510 to arrange your home search!  And don’t forget, you’ll get Air Miles just for buying a home with me!

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.