GTA Stakeholders' Report - February 2023

A Message From The Founders

Dear Stakeholders,

Spring is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see the flowers blooming and the sun shining bright!

As the weather warms up, so does the real estate market. With increased demand and higher levels of activity, spring is typically considered the peak season for buying and selling homes. And who doesn’t love a good opportunity? Whether you’re a potential buyer or a seller, the spring market offers something for everyone.

This weather makes it easier for potential buyers to view properties and for homeowners to prepare their homes for sale, and it also provides a chance for you to make the most of your real estate dreams.

So, let’s make the most of this spring season together! At Kirby Chan & Co., we specialize in personalized real estate services that will help you make your plans a reality. Give us a call today and let’s get started!

Warm regards,

Kirby Chan & Carrie Szeto

What To Know Before Buying A Home

Buying a home is a big decision to make. Whether you are buying a home for investment or moving into a new neighbourhood, there are a lot of things you need to consider to ensure you are going the right way. What exactly do you need to know before buying a home?

1. Know your budget

Buying a home is a big financial step. Before you buy a home, make sure you know what you can afford. Set your expectations by planning a budget and calculating your expenses. This does not just include the purchase price of the property but also maintenance, repairs, cosmetic fixes, etc. When it comes to your budget, buy the house you can afford to keep, not just one that you can afford now.

2. Hire A Trusted Realtor

Having a realtor help you in the process of buying a home can make a big difference. A realtor who knows their way around the market and knows how to negotiate well can make looking for a home less stressful than when you do it yourself. Finding the perfect home that fits your preferences while still following your budget is not as easy as it may seem.

3. Compare Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates may vary from one lender to another, so you want to see what each has to offer before making your final decision. Closing costs and other fees may differ depending on the lender you are applying for. Making the decision to get a loan is a big step in the process of buying a house, so you want to lay out your options and research which lender will gain you the most benefits.

4. Buy for the Future

Buying a house is one of the biggest commitments you will have. When looking for a house, consider your longterm plan and how you want your future to look. Is this house going to fit in that future? Do you see yourself in the future?

5. Type of home you want

Searching for the perfect home can be crucial, especially with all the houses to choose from. With that being said, narrowing down your options by determining what type of home you want to buy can speed up this process. You can also determine which neighbourhood you want to buy a house in, how big you want the house, how many bedrooms and bathrooms, etc. This can really help you and your realtor find the perfect home to your liking and that fits the life you want to have.

For more real estate articles, scan the QR code or visit KirbyChanAndCo.com/blog

Kirby Chan | Broker & C.E.O

Kirby Chan has been consistently ranked in the top 25 realtors in KW Canada. He is part of the leadership team in multiple offices and epitomizes being a leader that creates and empowers leaders at any level. He has worked in all aspects of the business, from appraisals, new developments to representing buyers, sellers, and investors in both the residential and commercial markets.

Co-Founder, REALTOR® & Lead Listing Specialist

Born and raised in Hong Kong and moved to Canada with her family at the age of 12. She is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and began her career at Proctor and Gamble. In 2013, she started her Real Estate career alongside her husband (Kirby) and his family. Her corporate background and passion for real estate have allowed her to support many families to fulfill their dreams of homeownership and increase their real estate portfolio in creating generational wealth.

Carrie Szeto