Comments on: Anecdotes and Advice from a First Time Home Buyer Part 9 – A Reflection

By: Samantha

Samantha — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:07:56 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like exactly what we were going through. After months of looking and “stalking” various neighborhoods we were starting to feel the impatience of our real estate agent. We kept walking into places that met our budget but were too dark, too small, too ugly or in a neighborhood that had a grocery cart sitting on the corner. I made irrational statements like “I’m not living somewhere that grocery carts are decorative”.

Its hard to remain practical and make the lists you promised yourself you’d make and take the time you promised yourself you’d take when houses are sold so quickly. In a lot of ways as you get farther into the house hunt you just get faster and summing up the pros and cons and rejecting the ones that aren’t right.

Then one day…you will, and we did, walk into a house and know instantly that it’s “right”.

Be patient and you will find the right place.

By: Potato

Potato — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:14:33 +0000

I have no experience or expertise with real estate, but I understand that at the moment the Toronto market is particularly hot because of the fear about the upcoming land transfer tax. Have you thought about sitting it out until the new year?

Also, looking back through the series I see why you like the areas you’re searching in, as well as the type of house you want… but I don’t see a big driving reason for wanting to own vs. rent. Have you considered renting in the target areas?

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:21:23 +0000

Mike: lol. I guess it *is* kind of like testing a bridge by walking across it…

By: Gates VP

Gates VP — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:36:19 +0000

I can imagine the emotional journey that you are taking. It’s probably worth remembering that owning a place in downtown TO or Vancouver is really different from owning a place anywhere else in Canada.

The premium price tag comes from living in a premium city. So if you’re finding it hard, it’s b/c it is. And nothing short of picking a different city will make it any easier.

Though I am impressed with your patience.

By: FourPillars

FourPillars — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:33:11 +0000

I guess if the “evening stroll” turns into a “run for your life” then the area fails?

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:03:12 +0000

Great series! The evening stroll test is a great idea to figure out how comfortable you’d be in an area…