Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a homeowner looking to upgrade, buying a new home can be intimidating. And, if you’re like me, the movie The Money Pit encapsulates all the fears that potential homeowners may have. The disaster fixer upper in that film would leave any REALTOR® in a cold sweat (myself included!). Rest assured I’m here to protect you against real estate disasters of all sorts: Let’s leave the “money pit” style homes to 1980s Hollywood. If you’re looking for houses for sale in St. Catharines, or the Niagara region, I’m thrilled to lend you my expertise and show you how to get your ideal fixer-upper or fully finished home –without sacrificing your peace of mind.
Fully Finished or Fixer Upper?
Finding the perfect home typically means you’re in the market for:
- A fully finished home, or
- A home in need of a little TLC
No matter what route you take to finding “The One” for you, I’m thrilled to walk you through the challenges and triumphs that you may encounter on your real estate journey. In fact, think of me as your matchmaker!
If your ideal home is one that’s nicely polished, there are a multitude of houses for sale in St. Catharines and Niagara that will give you what you need. And while a home that comes with all the bells and whistles can sound pricey, finding what you need and sticking to your budget is possible. However, if you’re in the market for something that needs repair, and where you can add your own personal touch, then I have inventory for that, too! I’ll show you how to select a home that will become your boon, not your bane. A fixer upper is a labour of love, but that doesn’t mean it has to consume your time or money with hidden problems.
The Fully Finished Home
So, what do you get from a “finished” home? Well, my answer is: a lot of things! A move-in ready home could include all the must-haves on your list, like:
– Professional paint job (this is a real treat for the eyes, too).
– New appliances and updated kitchen.
– Updated roof, furnace, windows, and plumbing.
– Move-in ready.
– And limitless possibilities!
I’ve included these points specifically because I know that, as a buyer, your sense of what those “must-haves” are will vary. Your must-have list will depend on your age, lifestyle, family, and, of course, your budget: for example, if you’re looking to retire, maybe you want a sleek bungalow. Or, if you’re a growing family, you may feel that a two-story home with a finished basement is the most ideal.
A home that’s finished or newly renovated will be up-to-date and spare you the time and stress of making big repairs or upgrades in the near future. The previous owners will have done that for you. All you’re required to do is unpack and enjoy. A finished home will not just look fabulous, it can be economical in the long run!
The Challenges of Buying a Perfectly Polished Home
Folks who are in the market for a perfectly polished home will have to confront choices and challenges, too. You may find that the vision you had for your dream home hasn’t materialized in house form. . . yet.
Time-consuming: Because home décor and layout are subjective, some buyers are discouraged when listings for houses for sale in St. Catharines don’t conform exactly to their expectations. Searching for ‘The One’ takes time and patience. In fact, if you’re determined to hit every must-have on your list, know that it might take some time until the market offerings match your vision. I know it will be worth the wait, so try not to be discouraged if it takes longer than anticipated.
Location and price might be affected: Your willingness to compromise will also affect the location and price of your home. You may prefer to stay in a certain town or city (such as St. Catharines), but that doesn’t guarantee your dream home will be there. Similarly, your budget will influence the location of your home. If you’ve maxed out your budget and aren’t willing to make an offer on one of the houses for sale in St. Catharines, we may need to start thinking outside city limits, and explore one of the many other municipalities in Niagara.
I’m always willing to put in the research and dedication that’s required for your search. That’s why it’s crucial for my clients to have a clear idea of their must-haves in addition to the compromises they’re willing to make. When you know what your non-negotiables are, I can help you get the home you want.
The Fixer-Upper
A home in need of repair doesn’t have to be a money pit. Unlike Walter Fielding’s home in The Money Pit, my inventory offers a variety of homes with a sturdy “backbone”. A fixer-upper is meant to act as a starting point – not your breaking point! And, you may still be able to check off some of your must-haves, like:
– Great location (especially if the home is older, you may find something in a well-established neighbourhood)
– Unique character
– Negotiable Asking Price
– Blank canvas
– And much more!
There’s an old saying that goes: “Buy the worst house on best street.” Of course, you’ll want to love some (if not most!) of the features of the home you purchase; but, buying a home based on the neighbourhood, rather than its aesthetic, can save you big money in the grand scheme of things! A property that needs upgrading allows you, the buyer, and me, the REALTOR®, to negotiate more effectively than we could for a newer home. If the seller can come down in price, you’ll have a surplus for your renovation budget.
One of the benefits to purchasing a home that’s a little outdated is its potential for creativity: you’ll be enchanted by charming details that are sure to WOW with a little TLC. Stained glass, ornate carvings, original hardwood, and built-in shelves are just a few of the spectacular features that you might find.
The Challenges of Purchasing a Fixer-Upper
There’s a certain amount of stress and worry that accompanies any sale. However, stakes are higher when you’re investing your money and time in a house that’s not quite there yet.
A house that needs extensive repairs may not be move-in ready. It’s frustrating to move into a home that’s a construction zone, especially if you’re determined to start with a big project, like remodeling the kitchen, or redoing the floors. It can feel disorienting to have contractors, painters, and repair crews spending days, weeks, or months(!) inside your home. So, before you make an offer, try to come up with a list of questions or queries about the home’s history: this can give you a better idea of where to start if you plan to do extensive renos. And, with many houses for sale in St. Catharines, there will be plenty of homes to choose from – don’t get anxious and snap up the first one.
As a REALTOR®, I can inquire after upgrades (for roof, furnace, windows, etc.) and expenses (for hydro). Asking for this information will give you a better idea of what repairs are crucial and which ones can wait. Sometimes, a low list price means big problems!
You may encounter hidden costs. Regardless of how seamless you imagine your repairs might be, sometimes the unexpected can throw a wrench in your plans and your savings. And while a bathtub falling through your ceiling is worst-case scenario (I encourage you to buy a lottery ticket if it happens!), any buyer who plans to makeover their home should proceed with caution, and understand that, even when you take every precaution, your diamond in the rough could be a potential source of frustration.
Buy a House in St. Catharines
When it comes to houses for sale in St. Catharines, I’m here to make your nerve-wracking decision bearable. I’ll negotiate and navigate to ensure you steer clear of house-buying pitfalls and the money pits.
Cupid is in the air: This February I want to help you find a home you can fall in love with! If you want to put the spark back into your home life, contact me today!