Moving into a New Build Home

by | May 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

Moving in to a new build home is very exciting! You pick the colours, the landscape and sometimes even the layout to create your dream home. There are a few important elements you should think about when building your home that many first time builders find surprising.

New builds come with extra costs

It’s important to remember that the price tag of a new build home doesn’t always cover everything you need. Here are a few extra costs when purchasing a new build.

– Finishing basement
– Landscaping
– Fencing
– Window Coverings
– Appliances

How you prioritize these items is up to you, but make sure you include them when budgeting for your new build.

Properties are developing neighbourhoods

When looking at new build properties, it’s important to remember the current landscape you’re moving into will likely look much different in 5-10 years.

Here are some things you may want to research to ensure your neighbourhood will have everything you’re looking for once the development has fully matured. You can find most answers by contacting your city hall.

– What school district is the property currently in and will there be a change once it’s completed? Is there a new school being built?
– Are there any condos or apartment buildings planned in the next 5-10 years?
– Will there be commercial developments going in nearby? Coffee shops? High end grocery stores? Or corporate offices?
– Is that beautiful forest behind your home protected, or could it be torn down in the future for more development?

New builds are construction zones

And remember, when moving into a new development there will be construction. This means dust and mud for potentially the next few years depending what stage you move in. But things will get better! Remember, it takes up to 10 years for a neighbourhood to fully mature, so be patent. Once its complete you’ll be living in your dream home and it will all be worth it!

Looking to move into a new build? I have some available in Southwestern Ontario! Find out more HERE and give me a call.

 

☎ 519-639-6221
📧

For more tips and tricks, follow we on Facebook and Instagram!

 

New Build Homes – Coming Soon

by | Apr 12, 2022 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

Spring is here, meaning it’s new build season! We’re starting to see some exciting opportunities coming to the Southwestern Ontario housing market. If you’re looking to move into a new build, now could be your chance!

Lucan New Build Properties

These new builds are single detached homes starting at 2200 square feet, 3-4 bedroom dwellings built by Eldorado Homes in the quaint town of Lucan Ontario. With a population just under 6000, Lucan is the best of small town living, with everything you need just 20 minutes away in London. Lucan is home to great schools, parks for families, and locally owned restaurants. Not to mention, it’s the home of Baconfest!

These properties are exclusive to Team Forster and will be released in just a few weeks. They will not be listed on MLS, so contact me today to receive a pre-registration package.

Warbler Woods New Build Condos

Nestled in picturesque West London is the new community of Warbler Woods. Built by the prestigious Legacy Homes, these Three Story Condos are just minutes from the heart of London.

The fastest growing city in Ontario, London is home to some of the best schools in the country. Known as the Forest City, there is no shortage of walking trails and nature hikes in the Warbler Woods community. From sports to live entertainment, anything you’re looking for London has it.

Currently in the pre-construction stages, these new build units won’t last long. Contact me today for more information on these exclusive properties.

Sarnia New Build Townhomes

If you’re looking for a new build property near beaches, biking trails and the occasional shopping trip to the US, then Sarnia might be the place for you. This border community has a big footprint for a town of 70,000 people. Just an hour away from London, the cost of living is much lower, with the perks of larger properties and small town feel.

These 4 bed, 3 bath townhouses will be on the market this summer exclusive to Team Forster. Contact me today for pre-registration information.

If you have questions about these or any other properties, give me a call.

☎ 519-639-6221
📧

 

Already planning a move? Make sure to download my “Moving Day” checklist!

Moving Day Checklist

by | Apr 4, 2022 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London
It’s finally Spring, which means it’s almost moving time! Did you know most Canadians move in the Spring and Summer months? Moving can be the most stressful time in a person’s life. All March we featured a check list on our Facebook and Instagram pages for the weeks leading up to the big day. Use this check list when you’re moving to a new city, or moving into your dream home around the corner!

4-6 Weeks before you move

☑️ Get to know location of doctor, dentist, pharmacy, hospital, shopping
☑️ Buy packing essentials (boxes, tape, blankets, marker, bubble wrap)
☑️ Enroll your children into school
☑️ Sell items not coming with you
☑️ Arrange any repairs on house if necessary
☑️ List items you need to buy for the new house

2-3 Weeks before you move

☑ Contact utilities about close date
☑ Contact moving company if needed
☑ Schedule internet & TV
☑ Cancel utilities at old house
☑ Change address with employer, bank, DR subscriptions, friends family
☑ Contact home insurance/ car insurance
☑ START PACKING

ONE WEEK before you move

☑ Write moving check list
☑ Eat or donate as much food as possible in kitchen
☑ Stock up on medicine/ prescriptions
☑ Do final walk through with agent on new home
☑  Sign papers with the bank/ lawyers
PRO TIP: Pack a suitcase that contains everything for the first few days. It will make unpacking easier.

After You Move

☑ Register car at new address
☑ Hire locksmith to change all locks
☑ Get drivers license with new address
☑ Locate homes shut off values & circuit breaker
☑ Test smoke/ CO2 alarms

 

Thinking of selling your home? Contact me for a FREE Home Valuation.

519-639-6221

 

Buyer/ Seller Tips for the current Housing Market

Buyer/ Seller Tips for the current Housing Market

by | Mar 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

The London housing market has become especially stressful thanks to our city’s populartion increase. Canada’s census numbers were released last week and London is officially the fastest growing city in Ontario, fourth in all of Canada!

The population increased 10% since 2016 and is mostly due to families relocated from other areas- not a baby boom. This has made average house prices skyrocket from $290,489 in 2016 to $707,219 currently. Find out more here: CBC – Canada Census.

To help buyers and sellers currently in the market, I’ve put together some tips and tricks featured on my social pages to help make shopping a bit easier.

      Tips for Buyers in the housing market

Create a ‘Must Have’ list

Having a list of ‘must haves’ list as a buyer will help you narrow down your search and find the right property. Here are some starting points:

🗺 Location – Is there a specific place in the city you’d like to live? This could be an area of the city, or ‘near an elementary school’.
🛋 Rooms – Are there a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms you need? Is a dining room a priority?
🏕 Property – What type of land are you looking for? A large backyard? A pool?
🏡 House Type – Are you open to a semi attached home? A townhouse? Or strictly a stand-alone unit.
It’s important to know the difference between needs and wants. What are your non-negotiable needs vs wants you are willing to be flexible on.

Get Pre-Approved

As a buyer, it’s important to know what price point you will be approved for. Getting a pre-approval before you search sets you up for success. Having a triple A lender allows you to have the best interest rates possible. These lenders are institutions that are well known, and can give you some of the best interest rates available.

When looking for a mortgage, it’s important to shop around. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; buying a house will likely be the biggest purchase of your life!

      Tips for Sellers in the housing market

Though being a seller is much easier in this market, there are a number of things you can do to get the highest bid on your property. Here’s how you can make your property stand out.

🧹 Declutter – Less is more.
🎨 Paint – A fresh coat of paint goes a long way.
🖼 Staging – People are more likely to buy if they can envision living in the home.
🏡 Curb Appeal – Clean up that front and back yard.

Once you’re ready to list, call me for a FREE home evaluation!

Moving soon?

If you’re moving soon, keep an eye out on our social pages for a checklist of what to do weeks before you move. As always, contact me for any real estate questions. I’m happy to help and look forward to finding you that perfect home!

 

Give me call today and let’s get you home!

519-639-6221

Find what’s listed here: London Real Estate Listings

What Does A Realtor Do For A Buyer?

by | Feb 4, 2022 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

Why hire a realtor as a buyer? Most people don’t realize real estate agents are always on the clock! We conduct a real estate transaction behind the scenes and only contact the client when necessary. This is done intentionally as we understand moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life.

What’s the buying process?

First, you’ll send the realtor your budget and ‘must haves’. For example, your budget is $700,000 and must have 5 bed, 3 bath and walking distance to a school. We conduct a search daily with our internal connections, our online database and any other resources we may have. Your realtor will narrow down the options so there is minimal time wasted, and suggest properties that may suit your needs.

After we send you a list of potential properties to view, we organize showings based on your schedule and set the tours according to minimal drive time. We come with you to see the properties and find answers to any questions you may have about the house or the sale.

You’ve found your home, now what does the realtor do?

Once the buyer finds the home of their dreams, the realtor is truly put to work. We help build the offer, submit all the paperwork and work through negotiations should there be a bidding war. Realtors have built many relationships with their colleagues in order to have a fair negotiation process. We offer suggestions and work with the sellers to try and secure a sale.

Finding your dream home can be a difficult and stressful process, but working with the right realtor can alleviate that stress. Let our knowledge of the industry help guide you to the right home, all at no cost to you!

Give me call today and let’s get you home!

519-639-6221

Find what’s listed here: London Real Estate Listings