Yes, some people get sold a home that doesn't suit their needs or their budget, but increasingly, Canadian home buyers have become too savvy to sign on the dotted line without asking a lot of questions.
Stock market disasters, mutual fund disappointments and memories of the eighties real estate insanity have created a new type of housing consumer. Consumer education is "in" and Canadians welcome opportunities to learn more about real estate. Canadian home shows are already gearing up for the fall round of information-rich events. Provincial homebuilders associations and Realtors continue to offer home buyer programs.
Here are a few "savvy" tips:
Start with the home builders association – the provincial group or local chapters. Most have literature and seminars to help new home buyers. Let the association fill you in on builder and government consumer protection or warranty plans.
Be prepared to visit each new home site more than once. Seeing the area in different seasons can also be useful if the market is not too hot. Knowledgeable developers and their staff welcome return visits.
Compare apples and apples. Yes, each home is unique but how does each unit measure up against your specific needs. Compare on more than square footage. Location still plays a big part in future value. "Buy the best location you can afford" is still a solid approach when investing your savings.
Be wary of salesmanship. Salespeople say a lot but it is what's in writing that counts. They may also create urgency to buy when none exists.
Spend as much time comparing quality of construction as you do decorating details. Soundproofing, insulation and non-allergenic materials and techniques can add significant comfort but are difficult to add later. Features that can not be afforded now can at least be roughed-in for future installation.
Retiring home buyers should do some worst-case-scenario planning. In the excitement of contemplating a luxury condominium, golf-centric lifestyle community or a waterfront complex, make a list of things that could make that type of lifestyle difficult or expensive for you. For instance, if you could no longer drive, how practical would this new home be?
When it comes time to sign up, remember that you get only what is in writing. Unless a cooling-off period has been written into the contract, you are committed once you sign. For instance, in Ontario, there is a 10-day cooling-off period for new condominiums but not for resale. Investigate the conditions of sale with an experienced real estate lawyer before you buy.
Learn the rules regarding construction delays. Construction demands and labour problems are forcing closing dates to be altered in many parts of Canada. What are your rights?
Savvy Canadian consumers have learned to assume nothing, ask everything and get it in writing.
For more information: Canadian Home Builders Association (http://www.chba.ca/) for links to provincial organizations and other local resources.
Published: July 25, 2000
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 Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" -- intent on "Challenging The Best Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life.
Author of 7 books and more than 1600 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy... Your Choice! (CatapultPublishing.com), which is filled with suggestions and insight on protecting and using home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?," which identifies 7 common mistakes professionals unknowingly repeat to their detriment, will be published in 2009.
As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors -- and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking -- a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on blogs, books and topics, visit TheCatalyst.com. |
