By Stephen Canjar

President, Peak Performers Realty Inc.

If you have been waiting to buy a home, now is the time. There are so many wonderful opportunities out there for anyone who has been thinking about getting into the housing market. This article will walk you through some steps that you can take to get a good deal and understand the buying process.

Make "you love it" the number one reason for your purchase of a new home. Ultimately, your home needs to be a comfortable and a safe place to live. Most homes appreciate in value over time around the rate of 5.4 percent. If you take care of your home and make improvements, an increased appraisal value is likely to follow, so don't factor appreciation too much into your decision. If you love a home, make an offer!

Fireplaces are to be considered when choosing a new home. They can serve as the focal point in the family, or living room, and can also increase the retail value of the home. Wood or oil burning fireplaces can save you money by providing heat during the cold months, as a viable alternative to electric heating devices.

If you are interested in purchasing a home, make a point to talk to the neighbors. Speak to at least three because you want to get a clear picture of what the neighborhood is like and talking with only one person may leave you with an unrealistic picture of reality. Neighbors are the best people to talk to because they don't have a vested interest in whether or not you buy the home.

Before purchasing a home, take its proximity to schools, shopping and other facilities into consideration. This is especially important to people who do not drive. You do not want to live somewhere that you cannot do your shopping, or where it would be difficult to bring your child to school Don't make an offer on the first home you see. Even if you think you have found your dream home on the first visit, take the time to really look around before committing. Look at other homes in the area and really get to know the neighborhood. Buying a home is a big commitment, and one that should not be rushed into.

When considering buying real estate for profit or to live in a great thing to do is to visit the location during different times of the day and night. This way you will be able to witness activities in the neighborhood. It would also be a good idea to try to speak to renters directly; they will tend to have a more honest opinion about the neighborhood than homeowners.

Use home inspectors and real estate agents to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck. Hire only ones with proper credentials and interview them before hiring. Doing so will help you in finding affordable and well built housing that is for sale on the real estate market.

Although homes with energy-efficient windows, heating/AC and insulation may cost a bit more, it's a great investment in the long run. You will save thousands of dollars on your energy bills over the life of your home, so a little extra now will help you save in the long term.

Understanding what you are doing when purchasing a home is essential. Don't just rely on your real estate agent to do all of the work for you. You need to have a basic understanding, so that you can make informed choices. This article has given you some of those basics, as well as, some tips to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Stephen Canjar is President/Owner of Peak Performers Realty Inc. Niagara.

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“Consulting with you on your real estate needs is something I take seriously. With almost two decades of experience serving the entire Region, you can rest assured that all your real estate needs will be well taken care of. Each client is supported by a TEAM of agents, administrators, full marketing, and modern day technology second to none…all working together for you. Let me show you what a difference quality service can do for marketing and getting your home sold.” Get Listed. Get SOLD. With Stephen Canjar and www.movingniagara.com

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