Advise For First Time Home Buyers

Choose a home tailored to your lifestyle
This is very important, as a first time buyer you've got to keep in mind all the angles. Consider the neighbourhood and its surroundings, are you looking for a family community or a trendy area for the younger crowd.

Determine what you can afford
Once you've chosen the location that fits your needs, meet with a financial advisor to determine a mortgage comfortable for you. This will ensure that you spend your time wisely on homes within your price range, You should also consider arranging a pre-approved mortgage which will allow you to shop with confidence.

Research your building
You can call 1-877-9TARION or visit www.tarion.com to access information about all registered home builders in Ontario, including their customer service record with Tarion. When you find a builder you like ask them about previous projects and go straight to the source by asking current home owners about their homes and neighbourhoods.

Attend educational seminars
These seminars are designed to give you an idea about everything you need to know from industry professionals. Everything from new home buying procedures to to statutory warranties protecting all new homes built in Ontario.

Talk with a real estate lawyer
Its important that you meet with a real estate or condominium lawyer before signing any papers to make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.

Read the Homeowner information package
Take the time to review any information packages your builder gives you before or during pre-delivery inspection for your new home. This brochure available at www.tarion.com explains your new home's statutory warranty and the responsibilities of both you and your builder.

Prepare for you pre-delivery inspection (PDI)
Its your chance to go through a thorough inspection of your new home to determine if everything is up to par. See if there's anything missing, damaged or incomplete and have it taken care of before you move in. This is the prime opportunity to ensure everything is as was promised.

Become familiar with your home and submit all your papers on time
Remember that papers relating to any new problems or conflicts will be only acted upon when submitted on time.

Maintain you home through the seasons
New home owners are understandably unfamiliar with how much care and attention to details it takes to maintain their new home properly. Primarily one of the most important things is to pay attention to the how the changing seasons effect your home. You've made a big investment so remember its imperative that you maintain everything in working order so that your statutory warranty remains protected. Follow an annual maintenance routine to keep everything up to speed.

Enjoy your new home Congratulations!
You've done all your homework, the leg work the research, now you can enjoy yourself and settle into your surroundings. Just remember to maintain and be attentive.