For many years, condos were offered as the ideal home. With advertising all over the city, it’s easy to see why many people agreed, but times are changing. People are beginning to see the numerous issues faced by those who live in condos.

Size

Condos are small. For a single, they may have a decent amount of space, but for a family, there is rarely, if ever, enough space. In 2013, the average size for new condo units was about 739 square feet, 1.6% lower than 2012’s average. For comparison, the average size of a new unit in 2010 was 797 square feet and in 2009 it was 816 square feet. A decade ago, the average size was 1,006 square feet. Condo’s are steadily getting smaller, as developers continue trying to cram as many people as possible into as small of an area as possible.

Privacy

As the condos continue to shrink, privacy is one of the first things you’ll lose. Everyone has a horror story about a nightmare neighbour who plays music too loud, or has dogs, or is just messy. But you shouldn’t have to live like that. If a neighbour chooses to let their property fall into disrepair or impact on your private space , that’s their own decision, but if it is negatively impacting on your home and privacy, then it’s no longer a matter between a  lessor and a tenant, but between you and them. Condo living exacerbates this.

Amenities

Many condos are advertised as coming with gyms, pools and other amenities, and costs are usually included in rent. The downside is, if you do not or cannot use these amenities, you are still paying for them, and you cannot avoid these payments. As a result, your rent could be artificially inflated by something you are not in control of and may not even want.

Garden

Gardens can be beautiful, and many homeowners dream of having their own garden. This can be quite difficult to do in a condo. Sure, you can scatter a few plants around your condo to add some life and colour to proceedings, or have window boxes installed, but this is limited. Even if your condo does come with a garden or a green area, it is controlled by your lessor. You have no say in how it looks.

Control

Most condos in a building are cookie cutters, they look the same regardless of floor or number. Although you can change the furniture or the interior, you can’t change it too much. When you enter and when you leave, the condo itself will remain the same. You cannot install a new living area, or make any changes you would prefer. By owning your own house, you can do whatever you want with it.

Want a Yard or Garden? Think About Moving to Alliston, Ontario

Simply pick up the phone and call the experts at Previn Court Homes.

Scheduling an appointment is the best way to get all of your questions about the real estate market answered. It’s the first step to purchasing the home of your dreams. Why not get started today?

If you’re on the verge of choosing one of the many new homes in Alliston or anywhere else you no doubt have people giving you tons of advice.  With so much unsolicited input, the right course of action is often a little muddled.

Here are a few examples of advice that you should totally disregard.

Don’t worry, I got this

We’ve all got that one friend, hookup or family member that can help us with any handiwork in a pinch.  The problem is relying on them versus an expert.

Of particular importance is the home inspection.  While it can be tempting to have someone you know and trust check things, a professional has experience on their side, focus and most of all, they’re impartial.

There’s another benefit to hiring for the inspection:  second opinions.  If you’re concerned, a second set of eyes may be able to catch something not found during the first pass.

The second expert most often forgotten is the one we hope we don’t have to see often:  a lawyer.

Lawyers are there for clarity’s sake.  In this case, you’ve got a complex agreement that has to be signed off on detailing all the conditions of the sale.  Sure, you could try, but a lawyer can make you actually understand it.

They’re also there to stand up for you.  Lawyers can represent your interests and make sure they’re recorded in an agreement.  Do you want to be responsible for a forgotten backyard leaking underground oil tank?  Get a lawyer on it and you won’t be.

Dollars and sense

The other thing that’s not surprisingly the cause of unwarranted advice is money.  Some people who survive the home buying experience suddenly think they’re Donald Trump and everyone else might as well work on Wall Street.  The thing is, a lot of what usually makes sense in terms of money doesn’t work that way when it comes to closing on a home.

Let’s talk financing for example.  It’s common for all the people offering you their two cents to say that you won’t have to:

• Spend your own money – There’s a misconception out there that you should just lean on credit, loans and a mortgage.  If you have the money though, why would you want to add a long-term expense and pay interest?
• Get a mortgage online – Go for a low rate they say.  Too bad hardly anyone qualifies for their super low rates, which often end up being a lure for new customers.
• 0 Down Mortgage – This doesn’t account for closing, maintenance, fees and any adjustments or repairs.

Get the right advice, right from the start

When you’re sitting there looking at the options for new homes in Alliston or wherever the search leads you, take people’s advice with a grain of salt.  If you go about it with a clear head and hire the experts to help, you won’t regret the investment later.

At Previn Court Homes, we know this decision is an important one, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 40 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

If you’re buying new homes in Alliston or elsewhere, you should know what to look for to make sure you’ve made the right choice.  Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

If you know what signs to look out for though, you won’t have any surprises once you’re settled.

Where the action happens

Out of all the rooms in your new home, the ones that should be scrutinized the most are where all the action happens.  No, it’s not the room you’re thinking of.  The rooms that see the most use in your home are the washroom and kitchen.  They’re also the ones that can rack up some pretty costly repair bills.

Let’s start with the kitchen.  It’s important to make sure your appliances are not only modern, but good.   Take the model names and do some research online.  Find out if anything comes with a warranty while you’re at it.  The more you know, the better off you’ll be.

The next thing you should do is follow the water.  Look at pipes and sinks and make sure there’s no leaking.  Then, look for any cracks or chipping in your tiles, tub, sink, stone and walls.  If they look like they’re in good shape, it’s time to talk maintenance.

Upkeep

Your house, even when it’s new, starts to wear down.  You don’t have to worry about this for years typically but if there’s a defect or damage, the process will be the same, if not worse than a used home.

The roof for instance, is definitely one place you can afford to be picky.  A bad or poorly set up roof can result in damage and leakage.  If you can, have a look and try to spot any abnormal shingles.

Besides the roof, you should have anything that controls climate or is key to the structure inspected.  This includes:

• Heater
• Air Conditioning
• Basement/Foundation
• Insulation

There are other potentially problematic areas you can inspect but another way you can protect yourself when buying new is in writing.

I hereby declare

Making sure your new digs are tip-top is definitely a good thing but you can’t neglect the little details.  One of the mistakes new homeowners often make is not understanding their agreements.  Have these legal documents looked over by legal professionals and you’ll be able to understand them clearly.

It pays off if your agreement gives a clean bill of health to aspects of your home that fall apart.  Now you’re covered.

Similarly, when inspecting your space, find an expert.  After that expert is through, find another one and get a second opinion.  Not only could you save money, you now have a more complete picture.

The key is to pause before signing off and settling in to your new property.  If you analyze everything and cover all the bases, you can rest easy knowing you made a safe investment, whether it’s homes for sale in Alliston or tucked away in a skyline.

Make the right choice, right away

Whether your buying new homes in Alliston or further out, keep your eyes open and make the decision that best suits your needs before your wants.

At Previn Court Homes, we know this decision is an important one, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 40 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

Buying new homes in Alliston and elsewhere can be tricky if it’s your first time.  Paralysis by analysis is common and for good reason – there are tons of details to keep track of.  Sometimes though, knowing the most common things people do wrong is enough to keep you on the right track.

1.  Being a know-it-all

One of the typical things people get wrong on their first purchase is trying to do too much.  Real estate websites are increasingly detailed and it’s easy to forget what realtors are for with so much at your fingertips.

Markets are complex and only an agent guiding you through it can reveal subtle nuances that may not be reflected on the online price.  Turning your back on experience only leaves room for error.

2.  Not looking closely

Ignoring your home inspection is inviting nasty surprises, period.  Homes can be filled with deficiencies, either because the home is old or because it was built incorrectly.  As time goes on, components give in to wear and tear, requiring expensive repairs.

One of the biggest benefits of buying a new home is that it saves on all the maintenance.  No matter what you do, don’t skip the inspection unless you’re okay with the eventual repair bill.

3.  Being too understanding

New homeowners don’t actually realize how important they are.  Being okay with say, a delay on your home, isn’t something you should do.  Since roughly 2006, critical home dates are now part of the contract and purchasing agreement for your home.

This means it’s not okay for builders to string you along.  Don’t forget that if you’re slammed with a delay notice you’re entitled to ask for compensation for the extension or even back out.

You don’t want to be one of the many people who waited forever on a developer with no intention of finishing on time.

4.   Dotting I’s, Crossing T’s

The contracts and agreements are the most important components of your new purchase.  Don’t just give them a read. Legal advice can save you in situations like this.

When it comes to a new home, the builders have the right to change anything including floor plans, additions, features and even keep the real square footage a mystery.  It’s important that you get everything, yes, everything, in writing.

A lawyer can confirm what you’re actually getting and help make sure the details are accounted for with no random variables kicking around.

5.  Getting emotional

Don’t let your emotions get the better of you.  If a place seems great but it’s way over budget, don’t put your financial future in jeopardy.  If you’re taking a tour of the house, don’t ruin the seller’s impression of you by complaining about what you see.

Make the right choice, right away

Whether your’re buying new homes in Alliston or further out, keep your eyes open and make the decision that best suits your needs before your wants.

At Previn Court Homes, we know this decision is an important one, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 40 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

The hour is nigh and you’re moving on, either into a newly built home or a space you need.  The trick is knowing when to invest.  It’s a lot easier if you keep an eye out for a few simple signs.

1.  You’re constantly renovating your home

If you’ve ever tried to re-do, modernize or expand your living space then you know how much of a headache it can be.  Not to mention the hit in the wallet, a reno is a long and messy affair.  The cost of a new home would be offset by the savings in maintenance, long term.

So before you get worked up and set up camp, think about the freedom you’d get from a new home:  Zero labour hours and a cheaper, modern place that you can actually custom order.

2.  You’re at a new stage in your life

Sometimes you get to a new stage in life and it’s time to change.  This can be upsizing, downsizing and everything in between.  A new home has the benefit of being easily customizable, reflecting where you want to be in life.

3.  Your family is growing

Families have a tendency of getting bigger over time.  You can only repurpose so many rooms before it starts feeling a little tight in there.  You can take advantage of having to look and find one that’s close to schools, doctors and anything else a growing family would need.

4.  Your kids have moved out

You’ve done your due diligence and the children have left the roost.  Staying in a home out of love is a quaint idea but you could be saving a lot more by moving into a new, energy efficient home.  The extra money is yours to do with as you please, giving you some nice elbowroom from then on forward.

5.  It’s getting expensive

How was your appointment with the contractor this month?  Expensive, I bet.  If repairing and maintaining becomes as routine as a trip to the doctor then you should consider stepping off the treadmill.  A switch to a new home means everything isn’t falling apart.

Maintenance savings aside, this is a great way to focus your attention elsewhere without having to constantly look at the ceiling or pipes with trepidation.

6.  The master plan

You know exactly what you want and a new home is part of it.  Homebuilders are always willing to do more for prospective buyers with a particular home in mind.  You can let loose and tweak your home so that it matches what you have in mind for the next phase of your life.

Whether a newly built home happens because you feel it in your gut, or it’s all part of your master plan, knowing when to take the plunge is as simple as recognizing the signs that the time is right.

Do any of these apply to you?

If you’ve decided that buying a home is the right choice for you, the next step is finding a home that’s the right fit for you.  Buying a home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life, which will impact how comfortable your family is both in the house and financially in the future.

At Previn Court Homes, we know this decision is an important one, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 40 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.