Buying a new home involves countless home tours, hours spent in front of the computer browsing listings, and afternoon drives through unfamiliar neighbourhoods looking for For Sale signs. But what exactly are you looking for? What features does a home need to have to make it the right home for you? As you continue your home-buying process, look for these six things that will determine if the house you are looking at is the right home for you:
Location
You may find a home that seems to check all of the boxes. It may have the right amount of bedrooms, have the layout you have been looking for, and even have the updated appliances and amenities that you have been dreaming of. However, if it will be an unreasonable commute to work each day, or if it is located too close to a busy road or far away from places that you visit often, it is not the right house for you. Location is one of the most important things to consider when buying a new home. You can change almost anything about a home, but you can not change the location. It is essential to consider your current and future lifestyle when picking a home. How does the area of this home make your life harder or more manageable because of its location?
Schools
Many families choose their new home based on the school district that their children will attend. Families often want to live near the best schools in the area to give their children the best chance at a quality education. However, the school zone is not only important for families with children. Buying a home in a highly desirable school zone will dramatically increase the value of the house. If you decide to sell in the future, it can be a significant selling point for new buyers. Homes located in a good school district tend to hold their value better than those in a lower-performing district.
Walkability
Vancouver has been listed as one of Canada’s most walkable cities. Locals opt for bikes and sneakers to get to local grocery stores, parks and playgrounds, shopping districts and schools. As you search for a new home, consider the walkability of the neighborhood. How easy is it to walk from your homes around the neighborhood? Can you walk from your neighborhood to the local grocery stores? Can your kids walk or ride their bikes to school? For families that value leading a healthy and active lifestyle, the walkability of a neighborhood can be an important factor when buying a home.
Safety
When buyers are looking for new homes, they are almost always concerned with the safety of the neighborhood. Your Realtor should be able to give you a detailed description of the crime rates in the area. South Cambie, Shaughnessy, and Kerrisdale are consistently ranked as some of the safest neighborhoods in Vancouver, and homebuyers flock to these areas to live in a place where they can rest easy and know their family and valuables are safe. According to a report done by Safe Around, on a scale of 0-100 (0 being the most dangerous and 100 being the safest)Vancouver scores an 80.
Taxes, Dues, and Fees
There is nothing like finding the right house in the right location, at the right price. But before you make an offer, ask questions about what other fees, dues, or taxes you will be responsible for paying once the home is yours. What are property taxes like in the area? Is there an HOA or strata fees that you will have to pay? It is important to know this upfront before deciding on the home.
The Vibe Of The Neighborhood
You can choose your home, but you can not choose your neighbors. Committing to a new home also means committing to the neighborhood and the people that live there. Are the homes mostly busy professionals? First time home buyers? Families with kids? Retirees? Knowing this can help give you a better idea of what living in the community will feel like. Take a drive through the neighborhood on weekends, during the week, and at night to get a feel of the character and vibe of the community. This is a place you will be putting down roots, so it is important that the home you buy is in a neighborhood that reflects your lifestyle.
Jovi Can Help You Find The Right Home To Buy
Our team of professional and dedicated Realtors are some of Vancouver’s most trusted neighborhood experts. If you are looking to buy a home in the area but are not sure what you are looking for, give Jovi Realty a call today. Jovi Realty will find you the house that has it all.