Are you on the hunt for a new house in Ottawa? This is an exciting time, but there’s no doubt that you have your work cut out for you. You also have a lot of decisions to make. These choices include, but are not limited to, things like what neighbourhood you should settle down in , what type of home you are looking for and whether or not it suits your lifestyle.

You will want to have a clear, specific, yet flexible vision before you even begin visiting properties. The process may seem overwhelming, but taking your time and staying true to your wants and needs will help keep things on track. In this post, we’ll highlight what you need to know to find that hidden gem in the dynamic and thriving City of Ottawa.

Minimizing the Home-Buying Obstacles

As thrilled as you may be with the idea of owning a new house, the journey may involve some setbacks. Understanding and alleviating these worries is the first step to finding a house that you will feel comfortable in and love for many years to come. One of the biggest concerns a home buyer may have is that the market could slow down after your purchase, so waiting to see “what the market does” gets in the way of decision-making.

It’s true the market can fluctuate, but it is not the catastrophe that a prospective buyer might make it out to be. Real estate values have seen some volatility over the past few years; there’s no getting around that. However, in the longer term, real estate prices do consistently rise. There’s no reason to think that that will not still be the case a few years from now. 

Whatever inhibitions you may have, an experienced real estate team with your best interests at heart will help you navigate the market and make the most out of your situation.

When you know what to expect and are prepared for anything, your excitement about getting the keys will quickly overtake any nervousness you may feel!

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Looking for more tips for finding the right real estate opportunity in Ottawa? The posts below will help you be prepared:

• Should I Buy an Investment Property Now for My Kids in the Future?
• Should You Buy a Semi-Detached Home in Ottawa?
• 6 Advantages of Buying a Home with an Ottawa Real Estate Agent

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Signs that the House is Right for You

Chances are, there is no “perfect” home that will check off every box right from the get-go. Every house will likely have something you will want to alter, even if it’s just a simple coat of paint in the colour of your choice. That said, there could be homes that might not look stunning at first glance, but can be made perfect with very little time or effort.

The trick is to know what can be moulded to your specifications and when you should move on and keep looking. It can be easy to get your heart set on a specific home once you find a listing you love. However, it’s also important to remember that there are always options. If one home falls through, you will find other listings to suit your needs.

Here are just a few of the signs to look for that might indicate that a particular house is exactly what you’re looking for.

It Is Well Within Your Budget 

When searching for that ideal listing, many home buyers have a long wish list, and housing affordability is almost always top of mind. That’s why real estate agents recommend setting a budget where you will be comfortable in the low range, the mid-range, and with an absolute ceiling that you will not exceed.

Staying within this budget is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the unpredictable, whether it’s a market fluctuation or a change in your income or personal circumstances. Ideally, it’s good to stay in the low to mid-range of your budget, but that isn’t always the case.

If approaching the higher end of your range means you get a better home that needs less work, the more expensive home may be the best option for you. Calculating your budget takes some analysis and insight, but a local real estate agent can help you narrow it down.

It Might Be Cosmetically Imperfect

Buying a house that needs minor repairs or a few cosmetic refreshes is one of the best ways to negotiate on an asking price, even when the market is active and competition is strong. We can’t tell you how many times a buyer has achieved a much lower price on a home simply because it needed a thorough scouring from top to bottom or just a fresh coat of paint!

These are minor fixes that could cause other buyers to overlook the property. If the seller doesn’t want to make these upgrades first, there’s a good chance that you will get a concession. This is very different than buying a house with structural damage, or that will need many expensive repairs. We are talking here about simple, cosmetic changes that allow you to move in, roll-up your sleeves and make a few strategic upgrades as your time and budget allow.

When you pay less for the house than you can afford, you no longer have to worry about the market changing after you’ve made your purchase or whether or not your equity will grow at a fast enough pace. When you get the absolute lowest price, the only place for your equity to go is up! This is one reason to work with an experienced buyer agent who will negotiate on your behalf.

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Why choose Ottawa for your next home? The posts below will give you some food for thought:

• Is Ottawa Boring? No, and Here’s Why!
• The Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Commuters
• What are the Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Retirees?

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You Are Confident In Your Decision

Buying a house is a big decision, and there is always an element of the unknown. You always want to be sure that you are on the right path, both now and in the future.

A local real estate agent can help you understand what resources are available to you so you can be confident that the house is everything that it seems. A few simple steps can allow you to be sure that your home will be suitable for your needs in the long term.

Something Just Feels Right

Logic and reason should prevail when making a significant decision like buying a house. You should be able to trust your instincts to a large extent, but we would never suggest making a decision 100% based on how you feel.

That said, positive feelings can be the icing on the cake when all other factors fall into place. Many home buyers report that a house felt like it was calling their names, the moment they laid eyes on it. 

Can you see yourself living and laughing in this space, are you already placing your furniture in the living room and finding a great spot for the Christmas tree while your real estate agent takes you through the house? That is an excellent indication that you will love it after you move in.

Seeing beyond some flaws, clutter, or a little bit of dirt and grime and envisioning a bright future and many happy years within those walls, means there’s a good chance that you’ve just found your new home! 

Are you ready to start searching for your hidden gem?  Our team of knowledgeable and caring Ottawa real estate agents is happy to help you achieve an optimum outcome. Reach out to us today at mail@chellteam.com or call 613.829.7484 for more information.