The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your Next Home
Thinking about upgrading and buying your next home? One that fits your growing family… It’s an exciting step, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike buying your first home, this time you’ll need to balance selling your current place while finding your next one, which can feel like a lot to handle all at once.
Let’s take a look at some of the key costs, timing considerations, and strategies you’ll want to keep in mind. Working with a mortgage broker and planning ahead can help you save money—and a lot of unnecessary stress—throughout the process.
Questions To Ask Yourself When Buying Your Next Home
Defining your needs and wants is a good place to start when planning to upsize your home. Take some time to reflect on these key questions:
Sometimes, patience is smart. If upsizing means draining your home's equity or putting undue financial strain on your family, it might be best to wait.
How to Find The Balance Between Buying and Selling
When you're a first-time homebuyer, the process is pretty straightforward. But once you already own a home and want to move, things get more complicated. You'll need to carefully plan the delicate dance of buying a new home while selling your current one.
The big question is whether to buy or sell first, and that depends on several factors. You'll want to look at the demand in both your current neighbourhood and the area you're hoping to move to. The real estate market's overall health matters too - think about things like how many homes are for sale, current interest rates, and how competitive the market is. You'll also need to honestly assess your own financial flexibility and ability to handle unexpected twists.
Here's a simple rule of thumb: do the harder thing first. If the market is heating up, it might make sense to buy first. If the market is cooling down, selling first could be the smarter move. Your personal priorities matter as well. Are you more focused on finding the perfect new home, or on getting the maximum price for your current house?
Most real estate agents offer free home valuations based on current market conditions and recent sales in your neighbourhood. This can help you understand what your current home is worth and whether you can afford to make the move you're dreaming of. Just remember that you'll likely need to make your offer on a new home conditional on selling your existing property. Working with a good real estate agent and a mortgage broker can help you make the best decision for your unique situation.
Choosing The Wrong Timing Could Cost You Money
Buying a new home while selling your current one can come with some financial surprises. Here are the key things to watch out for:
Bridge financing can be expensive if you can't perfectly time the sale of your current home and purchase of your new one. The bank charges you for covering the gap between transactions, which can add unexpected costs.
Interest rates can change quickly. If you sell first, rates might jump before you buy. Talk to your lender or mortgage broker about locking in a rate and renewing your pre-approval every few months. This way, you're protected if rates go up – and you can still benefit if they go down.
Be conservative when estimating your current home's value. Just because you think it's worth a certain amount doesn't mean buyers will agree. Always budget as if you'll sell for less than you expect. Remember, only a buyer's offer is a true indication of your home's worth.
Real estate markets can be unpredictable. You might not perfectly time buying low and selling high, so have a backup plan.
Working with a mortgage broker can help you work through these potential pitfalls and create a more solid financial strategy for your move.
New Fees to Allow For Budgetwise When Buying Your Next Home
Upsizing or upgrading your home is expensive. Just like closing costs for a first home purchase, there are some fees you should be prepared for including:
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Costs to Buy a Home
Costs to Sell
There are also legal fees (approx. $1,500), HST and moving costs to consider as well as charges to turn off and on utilities.
What to Do About Your Existing Mortgage
When you bought your first home, getting a mortgage was your biggest worry. But now that you're thinking about moving, you'll face a new challenge: what to do with your existing mortgage.
Mortgage prepayment charges can be a real headache. These fees can be complicated and vary between lenders, but the best approach is to call your current lender directly and ask some key questions:
Financing a new home involves more than just finding a good interest rate. This is where a mortgage broker becomes your best friend. They can shop around, find the most competitive rates, and help you understand all your options. Think of them as your personal mortgage detective, working to save you money and stress.
How to Reduce Upsizing Costs
When you're looking to move to a bigger home, saving money takes some smart planning. Your goal is to get the most out of your current home while finding an affordable new one.
Treat selling your home like an important job. Many people get so excited about buying a new house that they forget to maximize their current home's value. This means fixing things up, doing a deep clean, and staging your home to look its best. A great real estate agent can help you price your home right, market it to more buyers, and get the best possible sale price.
A mortgage broker can be your secret weapon in this process. They'll help you compare different lenders and mortgage options you might not find on your own. Sometimes, paying a small penalty to switch your current mortgage can save you lots of money through lower interest rates and cheaper monthly payments.
If money is tight, be open to different neighbourhoods. You might find a bigger home for less money by looking a bit further from downtown or in up-and-coming areas. A little flexibility can stretch your budget much further.
Always have a backup plan when you're buying and selling at the same time. Real estate deals can be tricky, and things don't always go exactly as you expect. A mortgage broker can help you explore different options and create a solid financial strategy that protects you from unexpected surprises.
Ready to Move On To Your Next Home? Call Me And I’ll Find The Best Mortgage Rates And Options For You
Buying your next home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. The key is to approach it with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and the right support. Whether you're looking to upsize, find a better neighbourhood, or just create a new space for your family, understanding the financial ins and outs can make a huge difference.
As an experienced mortgage broker, I’ve helped countless families just like yours make smart moves in the real estate market. I know all the tricks to save you money, find the best mortgage rates, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Set up a free consultation with me online and I’ll help you understand your options, crunch the numbers, and create a game plan that works for you. Or, call me at 705-315-0516 today if you prefer that option.