Homes First Time Home Buyers - Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows
Your Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows & Fraser Valley Real Estate Connection
Buying your first home in the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Fraser Valley areas is a big moment in your life
As with any other big decision, there is a lot to know. Ask a lot of questions of people you trust and do your own online research so you can figure out what works best for you.
I have a wide range of experience in helping people find their first home in and around the Fraser Valley area. I'll work with you to find a home that suits your needs and more importantly one that fits your budget as well.
Please feel free to contact me for a free, no-hassle discussion on your needs and the type of home you are looking for.
Tips for New Home Buyers in the Fraser Valley area
Ease into it. Go to a few Open Houses
If you’re buying with a partner, talk about what you both want and make a list. Try to rank these items. You can use my website to see listings in different areas that might suit your needs. Pay attention to local schools, parks and proximity to transit and retail shopping.
Start tracking what you spend.
The more accurate you can be the better. Then develop a budget that includes your projected mortgage payment with estimates for property taxes and maintenance. Developing a realistic and manageable budget now will save you a lot of money and stress over the long run.
Getting a Mortgage Pre-Approval.
Once you have an understanding of your monthly your cash flow and how much monthly income you want to commit to your mortgage, get pre-approved and lock in a rate for 120 days. While a pre-approval may not get you the lender's best rate and it doesn't guarantee that you will be approved on your full mortgage application, it does give you some rate insurance, and at no cost.
Don't try to "time the real estate market".
If you buy a solid asset at a fair price and stay in the market for the long haul, you've set yourself up for success. Trying to figure when to buy is never easy.
Find an experienced local real estate agent.
If you are looking for a local Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows or Fraser Valley real estate agent then look no further. I have local experience and can definitely help you find your first home.
Location, location, location.
It's a well-known cliché, but it's the truth. I can work with you to determine what locations you are interested in based on your budget.
Planning to expand your family in the next few years?
You need to make sure your first home can accommodate any future children you might be planning for.
Get a home inspection
A good home inspection costs about $500 but is worth every penny. Do your homework beforehand. Specifically, ask about the experience and background of the person the inspection company is sending out. For this kind of advice, I'd want someone who has experience in construction, and I'd ask if they can bring a thermal camera (to check for air loss, cold spots and drafts). I know $500 sounds like a lot, but on a purchase of this size it’s a drop in the bucket, especially compared to what you might have to pay for a major repair.
Government Incentives
There are new rules in place when it comes to first time home buyers so always look to take advantage of them.
What's your B.C. Home Worth?
Let me help you to determine what your home is worth before you decide to sell and put it on the market.
