BUYING • 26 March 2024

Realtor’s guide to buying a home

by Dan DaCosta

Navigating the home-buying journey can be as confusing as trying to assemble Ikea furniture – that’s where I come in. With well over a decade of experience, and a former construction background, I can be your Real Estate Guru. I’ll make house hunting feel less like a finding a needle in a haystack, and more like an epic adventure. Of course the key to every great adventure is a well thought out plan. This step by step guide will turn the process into a memorable and enjoyable experience.

LET’S TALK MONEY

First things first, get your money in order. Look at what you want in a home, and how much you’d like to spend. Now get pre-approved! Go to a mortgage professional and have them cross your t’s, dot your i’s, and tell you what you can afford.

WHO-WHAT-WHEN-WHERE-WHY

Time to ask yourself the BIG questions – # of bedrooms, square footage, location, nearby amenities, specific features. Break this down to NEEDS (hello school catchment) vs WANTS (goodbye indoor sauna).

ADVENTURE TIME

Let the fun begin! With the help of yours truly, we can meet, assess and narrow down the potential suitors. **HOT TIP: act quickly; the good ones don’t last long** This is the time to ask the serious questions about what you’re seeing.

PLAY YOUR CARDS

You have found the perfect place; let’s make it yours! Together we will determine the best amount to offer, and the conditions to keep you protected. I strive to keep you informed, so ensuring you fully understand the paperwork as well as the typical series of events during this process is of the utmost importance.

DEAL OR NO DEAL

There can be some back and forth with offers. The goal is to negotiate the best possible terms for you and the seller. This is not a win or lose situation; it’s what works best for everyone. Once we have come to a mutual agreement, it’s time to sign the dotted lines, and start working through those conditions (if any).

THE THIRD WHEEL(S)

Fulfilling conditions, such as financing, home inspections, etc., typically involve third parties. You will have an agreed upon amount of time to work through these. Once fulfilled, or waived, the deal is firm and you kind of, almost own a house!

KEEP IT LEGAL

Now’s the time to introduce the real estate lawyer of your choosing (check out this list). Their job is to conduct title searches, review contracts, and ensure a smooth closing process. My job is to provide them with all the information to make this possible.

MISSION COMPLETE

Closing day!! Hand over that phat cheque to your lawyer. Be prepared for additional closing costs. Time to sucker your friends/family/orthodontist into helping you move into your new home! Ensure all agreed upon chattels and fixtures are in the home, and nothing else.

As you may be realizing, the journey through real estate is a lot like a roller coaster – full of twists, turns, and the occasional stomach-dropping moment. My hope is that this guide provides some comfort and predictability, but if there is ever any doubt or confusion, just consult with this guy.

19 March 2024

BUYING vs RENTING

by Dan DaCosta

The age-old question: is it better to buy or rent? Well, that’s a debate that can go on forever without a clear winner. Instead of pondering the eternal question, consider what’s best for you!

Pros and Cons of Owning:

Owning a home has its perks. You can build equity, invest your money wisely, and enjoy stability in your living situation. However, it comes with commitments like property maintenance and taxes, and you can’t easily pick up and leave like with renting.

Why Renting Might Be Your Thing:

Renting shouldn’t be overlooked! It offers flexibility, especially in uncertain times like during a pandemic when remote work is common. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of property upkeep and potentially save on costs like utilities.

Drawbacks of Renting:

On the downside, renting means no equity buildup, and you’re at the mercy of landlords who may not always be easy to deal with. You also risk losing your home if the property owner decides to sell or move in.

Final Thoughts:

In the end, whether to buy or rent depends on your circumstances and priorities. If you have the means and plan to settle down, buying might be the way to go. But if you crave flexibility or prefer to invest your money elsewhere, renting could be your best bet. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so choose what works best for you!

And hey, living in a van isn’t a bad idea either! If that’s your jam, share your adventures on YouTube so we can all join in the fun vicariously.

BUYING • BUYING • BUYING • 12 March 2024

Ready to buy a house? Find out here!

by Dan DaCosta

Home buying rollercoaster

Ah, the epic journey of buying a house! Here comes a rollercoaster ride filled with paperwork, financial acrobatics, and the occasional existential crisis. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through this adventure!

Step 1: Build Your Savings

Bid farewell to your piggy bank and start saving every penny. It’s time to channel your inner Scrooge McDuck and stash away funds for that down payment. Remember, every dollar counts—even those hiding in the couch cushions!

Step 2: Crack the Credit Score Code

Navigating the world of credit scores can feel like wandering through a maze. But fear not! With patience and a touch of humor, you can boost your credit score to homeowner status.

Step 3: Tackle the Mortgage Maze
Prepare to dive into the chaos of mortgage applications. Each document might seem like a puzzle, but with perseverance, you’ll piece it all together.

Step 4: Explore the Real Estate Jungle

Venture into the wild world of real estate listings, where every house is a potential dream home (or a potential headache). It’s like going on a safari, navigating bidding wars and negotiations instead of lions and tigers.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Wins
Whether you’ve reached your savings goal or survived a stressful mortgage meeting, take time to celebrate your victories! Break out the champagne and revel in your journey toward homeownership.

There you have it—a guide to getting financially ready to buy a house! Armed with determination, you can conquer the real estate market like the savvy homeowner you are.

Happy house hunting!

5 March 2024

To Buy or Not to Buy: Deciding Whether to Buy a Home Right Now

by Dan DaCosta

Ah, the age-old question: to buy a home or not to buy a home? It’s a decision that can feel as daunting as choosing between a lifetime supply of pizza or a lifetime supply of tacos (a tough call, indeed). But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through this hilarious journey of homeownership contemplation. So grab your favorite snack and let’s dive in!

First things first, let’s address the pressing matter at hand: is now the right time to buy a home? Well, that depends. Are you ready to become intimately acquainted with your local hardware store? Have you sold your soul to the mortgage company? If so, then congratulations, you might just be ready to take the plunge into homeownership!

Let’s talk about financial readiness. Are you ready to give up your daily Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato habit in exchange for a down payment? Can you survive the emotional rollercoaster of bidding wars without breaking into a cold sweat? If you answered yes (or at least chuckled nervously), you might just be ready to adult!

But wait, there’s more! Before you break out the champagne and start envisioning yourself as the next Sarah Richardson, let’s talk about the less glamorous side of homeownership. Are you prepared to spend your weekends arguing with your significant other about paint colors? Can you handle the heart-stopping terror of discovering a leaky roof at 3 AM? If so, homeownership, where every day is an adventure (whether you like it or not)!

Now, let’s address the big question: are you emotionally ready to own a home? Can you handle the responsibility of caring for something that requires more attention than a needy toddler? Are you prepared for the soul-crushing realization that your dream home might actually be a money pit in disguise? If you can answer these questions with a chuckle and a shrug, then you’re one step closer to buying!

But remember, buying a home isn’t just about financial readiness or emotional stability. It’s about finding a place where you can create memories, build a life, and maybe even start a family (or at least a thriving indoor plant collection). So go ahead, take the plunge, and remember: no matter what happens, at least you’ll have a roof over your head (even if it does leak occasionally).

And if all else fails, there’s no problem in life that a good laugh and a stiff drink can’t fix. Happy house hunting, my soon-to-be homeowners!