5 Things To Research Before Moving
October 7, 2021
source: 660 News via THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick | alamy
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Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or buying a home for the very first time, moving is a hugely important decision. In addition to ensuring you pin down the right home, you also want to ensure you’re choosing an area that’s right for you. If you’ve been staying up to date with the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market, you know how competitive and difficult to navigate Halton Real Estate and surrounding areas can be. Here are five things every prospective home buyer should research before moving to help you on your real estate journey and land you the perfect home!
1. The Neighborhood
So you’ve found the perfect home. However, have you paid much consideration to the neighborhood it’s located in? The most beautiful home in a not-so-great area can really affect your experience living somewhere. That’s why it’s extremely important to do your research when it comes to the area you want to live in. Is it close to your work? Are there good schools in the area? Do the homes in the area appear to be well-kept? What are the property taxes like? These are all questions you’ll want to find the answers to before pinning down an area (or areas) to house hunt in.
2. The Community
You’ve done your research on the neighborhood. But have you thought about the community and culture within that neighborhood? Maybe you prefer an area where people mostly keep to themselves. But having restaurants, shops, and community activities in the area where you live may be of importance to you. That’s why it’s always a good idea to spend some time in the areas you’re planning to house hunt in. It’s also a good idea to see if there are any community Facebook pages or a community center you can pop into for some more insight.
3. Traffic
If you work from home, traffic may not be of concern for you. But if you drive into work every day, you’ll definitely want to research the traffic in the area to ensure commuting won’t eat up more time in your day than necessary. If you use public transportation, you’ll also want to research where the bus and subway lines are located in the area.
4. Cost of Living
Before moving, it’s hugely important to research the cost of living in a given area. You’ll of course want to create a house budget based on your salary, taking into account the cost of the down payment. But you’ll also need to consider things like property tax, utilities, gas (if commuting), and if necessities like groceries and healthcare cost more than you’re used to. The cost of the house is just one thing – all these other little things can really add up over time, and no one wants to be house poor!
5. Crime
No one wants to feel unsafe in their home, which is supposed to be your sanctuary. It’s always a good idea to examine the crime rates in the areas you’re house hunting in. Take a look at statistics for crimes like break and enters in the area, as well as more serious crimes. You don’t want your safety to feel threatened while at home, and you also don’t want to hear sirens blaring at all hours of the day and night.
These tips are helpful when researching a move to any area, and especially when researching the Halton Real Estate market. With so many areas to choose from, and a high amount of competitiveness in the market, it’s important to do your research so you can be completely prepared when the time comes to make an offer. Preparing for a move can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you cover all of the bases. Happy house hunting!