When it comes to Toronto real estate, there really is “more than meets the eye.” (Cue the soundtrack for Transformers running through our heads for the rest of the day!)
It is more than a cute saying, though. A picture-perfect house, worthy of a magazine cover, could be absolutely wrong for your situation. On the flip side, a drab, slightly dishevelled property with good bones and in need of a simple makeover can be an opportunity too easy to ignore.
These two extremes could be located on the same street or in the same neighbourhood. That’s why it’s critical to show up with a defined list of must-haves and dealbreakers for your new home. On the other hand, it could also pay to keep your options open because you just never know what you might find.
If you’re on the hunt for a new home, it’s more important than ever to look beyond surface appearances. Today, we’ll provide you with a few guiding principles to help you find and buy the right house in Toronto.
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The House That Checks Off All Your Boxes
“It has everything I want, but something is just not right. I can’t put my finger on it!” We’ve heard this phrase from clients more than once. A house could be the epitome of everything the buyer wants and needs, at a price they can afford, and in the neighbourhood of their choice.
And yet, something feels off. This sensation doesn’t mean you automatically dismiss the home, but it’s always a good idea to listen to your instinct and investigate further.
- Sometimes, the “off” feelings are just nerves about making such a big decision.
- In other cases, you might intuitively be picking up on something about the house that doesn’t work for you.
Examples could include a house with an incomplete view of the backyard, too many stairs (or the stairs are too steep) or in the wrong catchment area for your preferred school. There’s nothing wrong with the property, but for some reason or other, it doesn’t fit your needs right now.
Do you plan to sell your existing home before beginning your search? The posts below can help you get results:
- The Benefits of Selling Your Home With DeClute Real Estate
- How Home Staging Can Help You Get the Best Price for Your Property
- The Psychology of First Impressions: What Buyers Notice First
The House Looks and Feels Right, But Isn’t
“This house is absolutely perfect! Let’s make an offer immediately so we don’t miss out!” In this scenario, everything looks fabulous on the surface, and the house feels like a dream come true. This is also when you’re most prone to making an emotional decision that you may or may not regret. If a property immediately draws you in, be sure to have a home inspector take a closer look before you commit.
Some flaws are easier to notice than others, but often take a trained eye to spot. Structural flaws come to mind, but a skilled home inspector can often uncover other hidden issues, such as improper grading or a faulty electrical panel.
If the report raises concerns, you’ll have some decisions ahead. Do you move forward anyway because you love the house so much? If so, perhaps your real estate agent can negotiate a lower price to account for the cost of repairs.
In some cases, it might be better to move on to a more suitable option. Turning your attention away from what appears to be your dream home can be painful. Nevertheless, looking past the surface can save you a lot of stress later when you finally find the right fit.
The House That Seems to Miss the Mark
“It misses all of my boxes but I love it anyway!” It can happen. You walk into a house that looks nothing like you imagined, yet you already know it’s “the one.”
As in the case of the house that looks and feels perfect, it’s still important to do your due diligence. Think back to the list of needs and wants that you created before you started your search.
You wrote down certain attributes for a reason. That’s not to say that you can’t change your mind, and a house that doesn’t have these features isn’t necessarily a bad choice.
However, you should consider your options carefully. If what you thought you needed no longer applies or is negotiable, your real estate agent can help you put together a compelling offer.
Are you looking for more guidance for a successful purchase in East Toronto? The posts below are a great place to start:
- How Home Buyers Get the Best Results with DeClute Real Estate
- Buying Your First Home? Why East Toronto Is Perfect
- Read This Before Buying a Home in Toronto to Renovate
A House That Doesn’t Show Well
“Ewww, it’s gross! Get me out of here!” It’s hard to believe that so many sellers don’t take the time to prepare for a buyer’s visit. Sometimes, the homeowner is simply unable, due to physical limits or time constraints.
A messy home, or worse, a smelly home doesn’t make it easy for you to imagine living in it. Cracked and faded paint and an overgrown lawn full of weeds can make you want to run out the door as fast as your feet will take you.
These situations deserve just as much scrutiny as the house that looks too good to be true. What if all this property needs to become your absolute dream home is some serious scrubbing, a little landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, and some airing out?
You don’t want to overlook the perfect opportunity because of a cosmetic flaw that is easy to fix. A house that doesn’t show well can offer multiple advantages.
You could end up with a bigger property in a highly desirable location at a price you didn’t think was possible. Since there’s little to no competition from other buyers, you could potentially negotiate terms that work in your favour.
You just never know with Toronto real estate! By keeping your eyes, mind, and heart open, it won’t be long until you spot your ideal home.
Do you want to know more about where or how to buy a home in Toronto’s East End? Get in touch with us at 416.686.9618 or email info@declute.com today.
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