Real E sta te : T h e O a k v ille B eaver, W e d n e s d a y F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 0 6 - 1 7 Take the rights steps on the road to home ownership The steps to buying a home are never simple, it is blatantly obvious why some one would become stressed over this situation. It is not the idea of buying the home itself, but the small details that accom pany the purchase. Here are the steps to buying a new home plotted out, along with tips to make that move simple and consider ably less painful! First up is the decision itself to buy the home. The reasons behind why people would want to become homeowners are endless. Why wouldn't they want to be? The perks are many, with aspects like the investment excellent investment value and the enormous tax savings. Who wouldn't want to be a home owner? Remember that there are also emotional reasons behind ownership. A certain pride is gained from owning a new home. You no longer have to worry about paying rent and getting nowhere with it, now you are paying a mortgage and each time you do that, you are one step closer to ownership. This provides a tremendous feeling of satisfaction to many people. Now before you get tied up in the excitement of being a homeowner, the next step is to figure out whether you can actually afford that dream home of yours. Ask yourself how* much have you put aside for a down payment, is it enough? With this amount, how m uch. will the loan payment be? Always factor in taxes and insurance, and don't forget upkeep! Okay, okay, sorry to stress you out, but a home is a pricey acquisition and you should be absolutely certain that you can afford this before you go into it. No one wants to be in dept with a big honking mortgage on their shoul ders. Speaking of money matters, always make sure you get approval for a loan if you happen to need one. Next step is to check MLS listings to determine asking prices in your neighbourhood. Be sure to target a couple of areas of interest, and once this is done, use a real estate agent to find you homes that you find appealing and fall into that area of interest. Negotiating an offer is super important, use the real estate agent at this point to coach you in areas like your affordability and the market con ditions. Once you have negotiated an offer it is time to think about the closingthen you can celebrate! But wait a second. Hold the celebra tions. You are not there quite yet, it takes a lot of know how to put together a deal and even more to keep it together! A professional realtor would come in handy at this point, unless you have a lot of this know how yourself, trying this on your own would not be the best idea.. Selling a home on your own in gen eral may not be the best idea, unless you have a lot of knowl edge of the market. In other words it takes, a lot more to sell then putting up a sign in the middle of your lawn, and it takes a lot more to buy then packing up your belongings and putting down a wad of cash. In conclusion, I am not going to gloss it over, buying a home is a tough task. There is more to worry about then simply these steps. It takes a lot to finally buy your new home. Most people are willing to go through with it because it is probably the best investment they will ever make. A home could easily be some thing that is with you for your lifetimeeven for generations! However hard the journey is to buying a new home, most people would agree that it is worth the arrival. If you are planning to buy a new home, the best thing I can say to you is to simply bite the bullet and take the steps. You'll be happy that you did. ANNOUNCEMENT Realty R e a lto r Louise G Preston Sales Representative New custom maple kitchen with granite countertops and tumbled marble backsplash. Finished basement. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained. Mature neighbourhood and great school district. MARK POSPISIL Sales Representative We welcome Mark Pospisil, new Sales Representative for The Invidiata Team, RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. Mark has been a licensed realtor since 2001 and has worked with RE/MAX in the States. Mark lives in Oakville with his wife, Annita and 7-monthold son, Nicholas. As an Oakville resident he loves what the communities in our area have to offer in term s of community atmosphere, education, and the wonderful natural surroundings giving us plenty of places to enjoy nature's splendor. With vast experience in servicing clients with their residential real estate needs, whether it be country homes, condominiums, or resort real estate, Mark will bea definite asset to our Team and a valuable help with your real estate needs. Asking $469,000 BUNGALOW FOR RENT $1450/mth + utilities 3 bdrm bungalow in West Oakville. In walking distance to YMCA & in school boundaries to Morden School (offers Gifted Program). Large front & rear yard perfect for entertaining. 905-842-7000 www.louisepireston.ca Please contact Mark at 905-339-3444 Ext. 229 direct or 905-338-9000 office and by email at mark@theinvidiatateam.com Aboutowne Realty Corp.* Realtor or for 24 hr recorded full description including address call 905-847-7644 and enter ID number. 13am Sales Rep. SUTTON GROUP REALTY SYSTEMS INC. 905-827-6999 OR 905-896-3333 1429 TREELAND ST. Super sharp 2 year new semi wtih new hardwood on main level, gas f/p and 2nd storey laundry. All the must haves! Simply pack your bags, not a thing needed here. $279,800 DESIRABLE RIVER OAKS 4 bdrms, 3-1/2 baths, separate dining room, main floor office, close to parks, shopping & schools. Talk to Ken. 1451 WALKERS-LINE #104 Upgraded model suite. Oak kitchen with breakfast bar, w/o French doors to patio, designer colours. One underground park ing and locker. Why pay Rent! Must See 10++. Call Today. $161,900 2109 WESTMOUNT Desirable location, sparkling through out, main hardwood, eat in kitchen, 2nd floor family with gas f/p, load of extra's. Call Today!!! This custom home offers 5 bdrms in total & 6 baths, gunite inground \ pool & large private lot. Walk to parks, shopping, churches & schools. SOUTH WEST BEAUTY I 94 WATERS Freehold l yr new spacious 4 bed room with 2nd floor laundry. Bright main floor family room with gas fire place. Freshly painted in design neu trals. Don't miss out!!! Take the time ... 7 minutes 34 seconds, find out "What I do to get your home SOLD!" 24 hr recorded message 905-847-7644 ID# 4111 Ken W. Mair Sales Representative Sutton Group-Quantum Really Inc. 905.822.5000 An Independent Member Broker READY TO BUY OR SELL CALL DEBRA DENIKE OR CATHERINE MclSAAC *YOUR PERSONAL REALTORS... FOR LIFE!"