Buying your first house is a turning point in your life. It signifies the moment you put your name on a long-term investment that you can claim as your own, away from rules and regulations that you were subject to while you were renting or living with family. 

This whole process is exciting and stressful, but places like Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford make it more affordable for people to buy their first home. If you’re interested in calculating what your mortgage payment will look like check out our mortgage calculator. The beautiful cool weather coupled with lush acres of forests and bodies of water is attractive to people looking to buy. Before anything else, though, you have to take steps to achieve the house you’ve always dreamed of.

Are you a first-time homebuyer with your eye on the Maple Ridge, Langley, or Abbotsford area? Here are a few things you’ll need to remember about the process:

• Ensure that you get pre-approved for funding

Looking for a house you like isn’t very difficult. In fact, you can do it from the comfort of your home, sitting on the sofa and searching with the proper keywords online. Before you begin to search for your new abode with words like “houses in Abbotsford” or “Eagle Mountain Homes for sale”, it pays to get pre-approved for a mortgage first so you know what you can spend on your new property. Having a mortgage will set the parameters for what you can afford and what neighbourhoods are within your budget. This way, you’ll be able to create a list of places that may interest you, rather than waste your time getting your hopes up on a home you can’t afford. 

If you haven’t talked to a Mortgage broker or specialist yet I highly recommend; 

Alex Roctus with AR mortgages, http://armortgage.ca

Or Rob Cummings with RBC, https://mortgage.rbc.com/rob.cummings

• Hire the services of a buyer’s agent

Buyer’s agents like myself expedite the entire process of dealing with the rough real estate market. Open houses are simply not enough, and you may end up shelling out more money than you want to. An expert in the real estate industry in your chosen area is an invaluable asset, as they act as your representative and will ensure the prices are fair and the home you choose is a good investment. 

• Don’t scratch off previously inhabited houses

Anything brand new is exciting. People love the feeling of getting a brand new watch or car, and the same goes for houses. It’s important to remember, though, that brand new homes often come with a premium price tag and are usually exposed to GST of 5%, this can be rough on any budget. You’d be wise to consider properties that still exude the vibe of a new home, even if it was previously inhabited as you can always spruce up a home that needs a simple fresh coat of paint. Brand new does not always amount to being better, because the savings made can fuel other projects or expenses. 

• Try not to tie too many emotions to a particular home

Buying a house is a negotiation, which means there are probably other people eyeing the same one. Getting too emotionally invested in a particular residence often proves people can make bad decisions on a whim, like overpaying on their first home. The harsh environment of real estate is stressful, which is why you should be prepared to let go of certain deals if necessary. 

• Make sure to participate in the home inspection process

Sometimes, properties put up for sale have hidden defects that could cost a large sum of money to fix. As a buyer, you want a place that you can afford. The services of a home inspector are valuable in the end stages of any home purchase as this professional will help you evaluate the value of a potential investment and whether your offer is fair.

Check out Grant Beeton;

https://cdnhomeinspector.com

• Allocate time to tour the neighbourhood

The neighbourhood is one of the most important things to consider, as it will have an impact on your overall satisfaction with your new home. Ask some people who live in the area about the situation of crime, what the nightlife is like, and even popular restaurants that exist. It’s important to look for an area that is known to be safe and secure, especially if you have children. 

We have covered a few of the local communities including Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford. 

Conclusion

Although the real estate market can be challenging to navigate by yourself. This is why buyer’s agents exist to help make the process of buying a home smooth and easy. We also covered four things you should know before starting your home purchase.

We offer services to guide you through the complicated processes of real estate. If you are looking for your dream house in Langley, Abbotsford, or Maple Ridge, we have the resources and knowledge to help you find the best one!