Everyone has a vision for their dream home. Some people want an expansive house with a sprawling garden in the backyard; others wish for an ultra-modern open-concept condo with sleek lines and a stunning view of the lake. Still, others want a character home with unique finishes and all the kitschy decor they can track down.
Whatever your dream is, there is something for everyone in the Kelowna real estate market, however, there are some things you’ll want to consider.
Know Thyself
When you picture yourself in your dream home, do you imagine doing all the chores you’d have to do to maintain the house? More importantly, do you see yourself enjoying those tasks? If you picture yourself with a massive yard but loathe the idea of doing yard work, you should reconsider the yard size of your dream home.
The same goes for almost everything else. You want a big house, but can you afford the cost of its upkeep? Would a smaller home make more sense for your lifestyle? Would a townhome work better for you?
While you may have had this dream home pictured since you were a child, it’s essential to evaluate your current situation to understand what that dream looks like.
Take into consideration the location. Does living downtown make the most sense for less commute to work? Do you require it to be close to schools or a bus route? Are you looking for privacy, or are you okay with close neighbours? Determine the style of home you require and the location that makes sense for your current situation; this will become the foundation to set you up for a successful house hunt.
Temper Those Expectations
If you stay rigid in your vision of your dream home, you may miss out on the next best thing. The Kelowna real estate market has a variety of areas and styles of homes/properties that are worth exploring. Keep an open mind you may have to settle for something that’s not exactly what you were picturing.
Better to have a list of must-haves, like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as opposed to the exact layout. If you find a house that checks off many boxes, don’t write it off over minor shortcomings, like paint colour and finishes.
Pre-qualify for a mortgage
There’s nothing worse than looking at homes, finding one you adore, and then discovering you’ll never be able to afford it. Pre-qualifying for a mortgage will let you know how much house you can afford based on your income and how much down payment you’re putting up. Assuring that all your finances are in order before you start looking will help you avoid disappointment later on.
We recommend only viewing properties within your budget. It is difficult to find your perfect property only to know you cannot obtain it; this typically sets clients up for failure as no other property will live up to the one outside your means. Stick to your budget, and you may be surprised with what you find. Buying a home is already stressful enough without adding more stress. It’s better to look for something in your price range than out of it.
Find a realtor
With the large amount of homes for sale in Kelowna, we get it, you might think you can find your dream home alone, but everyone needs help sometimes. Finding an experienced realtor who knows the community you’re buying in will make it much easier to find the right home for your needs.
They also have access to homes that have yet to be listed; your dream home may be waiting to go on the market, and your realtor can get you a viewing before anyone else has a chance. Finding the right realtor for you will set you on a journey of success.
Finding your dream home, or the best home for you, in the Okanagan is easy when we are on your side. We are familiar with the area, the industry, and the steps to take to have you living happily ever after. With over 40+ years of experience in Kelowna and the surrounding areas, we promise we can find the home for you. Call 250-860-0303, and let’s get started!
