Tips for Buyers

If you are in the market for a home in and around Kelowna, there are a variety of things to consider.

• Seek the Assistance of A Real Estate Buyer's Agent. While it is possible to find your next home without the assistance of a professional, a real estate buyer's agent is able to provide you with a variety of properties that match your criteria, help you examine the homes, and choose the house that best suits your needs. They understand the ins and outs of the industry and work with you to ensure that when you do find the perfect property, that your offer has the best chance of being accepted.


• List Your Requirements. Start by listing the essentials that you require for your next property purchase. Think of everything that you absolutely require in a home such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size, style, type, etc. Then make a list of things that you would like but could live without. End your list with any particulars that you might like but would not stand in the way of your purchase (pool, hot tub, play structure in the backyard etc.) Knowing what you want, and having it written out on paper is a great starting point, and useful when you are faced with the emotional wow of a home (love the color in the kitchen) and allow it to take precedent over your needs (not enough bedrooms).


• Have an Open Mind. You want what you want, and you are set to continue looking until you find the perfect home at the perfect price. In the meantime, you may not have considered other options including neighborhoods, and house style. You may have your heart set on the Upper Mission area, but your perfect home could reside in North Glenmore and you wouldn't know it.


• Leave Your Tastes at the Door. Purchasing a home can be emotional and stressful. You will often hear people describe how they knew the home was the right one based on a feeling that they had when they entered the front door. However, others might also tell you about how they were able to get past the shag carpeting and old-fashioned wall-paper and see the home's potential. Try not to get caught up in the aesthetic details when the home offers everything else on your list.


• Get Pre-Approved. The pre-approval mortgage process ensures that you are looking for properties within your price range. In addition, it shows sellers that you have already taken the steps toward financing and could give your offer extra credence. If your pre-approval amount is higher than you want to spend, discuss your budget range with your Realtor.


• Think About Offer Terms. Before you find the perfect home, know in advance what types of conditions you would like to attach to your offer. What is your ideal move in date? Is your offer going to be subject to selling your house?