If you are considering making a transition to your next home in the coming months you’re not alone. This past year more than 101, 290 Greater Toronto Area residents made the decision to lay down new roots.
With the home ownership rate close of 71.4 per cent in Ontario, a lot of these people were buying a home, and at the outset of nearly every one of these transitions indecision was likely a common hurdle. If you’re faced with a similar stumbling block, as a first step toward deciding when to sell consider the data.
Long Term Factors
Since those who achieve strong selling prices typically also buy when the market is driving such conditions, your decision shouldn’t be based primarily on prices. Instead, consider factors that will allow you to carry a new mortgage for the long-term such as interest rates and employment statistics.
Demand
Demand in your local area is another important factor to keep in mind. If the house three doors down is also for sale you might mistakenly prefer to avoid direct competition when in fact, nearby available properties serve as an ideal opportunity for exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers.
Needs vs. Wants
It’s important to make a thorough assessment of your reasons for wanting to move in order to avoid the possibility of sentiment affecting your judgment once the process begins, and to have a clear idea as to your future needs. In fact, being able to envision your next home and view your existing dwelling as a product being taken to market are key indications that you’re prepared to make the transition.
Consider whether your current home’s square footage and features are right for your needs, whether you are close enough to work and schools, and whether your neighbourhood truly reflects your lifestyle preferences. If any of these key factors aren’t in line, that’s a signal it’s time to move.
Closely examining your personal finances. It’s important to consider factors such as your mortgage balance and any penalties for breaking your current financing agreement. As part of this process it’s wise to hash out a rough budget that includes the approximate purchase price of your next home, applicable taxes, professional fees and moving expenses. As well, a REALTOR® can offer you insight into recent selling prices of comparable homes in your area.
Once you’re armed with all of this information ask yourself if you’re ready to make the transition. The way you live in a home and the way you show a house can be very different: be sure that you have the time needed to get your home ready for market and that you have enough flexibility to allow for viewings.
To get an objective perspective on whether now is the right time to make your next move, talk to me for more information on the process of buying and selling a home.
