Friday, September 23, 2011

Sizing up a home - How to look past the home staging

More and more home sellers are turning to home staging to put their property in its very best light. As a buyer, you need to look beyond the décor and any staging tricks such as trendy furniture and take an objective look at how the home will fit your needs.

Pay attention to the floor plan. This will get you thinking about how you and your family will use the space. Your home needs to fit how you live, both now and in the years to come. Don't forget to check for adequate closet space and storage areas.

Look for necessary renos or repairs. For major renovations, you may wish to include the cost in your overall home financing – ask your mortgage broker if this is the strategy for you.

Also, if the seller has completed renovations, make sure the workmanship and materials are good quality. A sub-standard reno won't last for the long term, which means costs for you down the road.

Assess the location carefully. The house may be perfect for you, but the neighbourhood also needs to be a good fit. Schools, restaurants, shopping, transit, and area "walkability" all are factors to consider.

Remember the home inspection. Especially for older properties, a home inspector will examine the main systems of the home, such as electrical, plumbing and heating, as well as the roof and foundation.

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