Frank Nieuwkoop Director of Sales and Marketing Valecraft Homes
“If you’re prequalified, you know what price range you can feel comfortable with.” FRANK NIEUWKOOP An advantage to the Ottawa area is a wide range of affordability. “In Embrun, you can get a single-family home for $300,000,” says Frank Nieuwkoop, who is director of sales and marketing at Valecraft Homes. “In Kanata, townhomes can go for $320,000. So, there are definitely affordable properties from east to west.” His best suggestion? “Don’t spend more than you can afford.” $280,000 to $350,000 range.” Homebuyers should also meet with a The next most important consideration is location. banker or broker to get pre-approved “Look strategically. Are there bus routes, schools, shopping for a mortgage. “Work with these close by? Proximity to work may be a factor that offsets professionals to get an affordability price.” He also suggests looking at what builders are budget.” Changes to Canada Mortgage offering as a complete package. “It’s not just the sale price, and Housing Corp.’s mortgage rules but also what are the standard features? What are the have made it harder for first-time upgrades? Are there bonuses? homebuyers, especially. “If you’re “Make sure the property plan is registered with the prequalified, you know what price municipality. If there is not a registered plan there won’t be range you can feel comfortable with.” a building permit, and until there’s a building permit a He, too, feels that buying is a good builder can’t reliably offer you a closing date.” He should investment. “You can rent a twoknow, Valecraft has never missed a closing date in 33 years. bedroom apartment for $1,200 a “Also, check with Tarion and see what they say about a month. For that you could own a builder. And there’s nothing wrong with knocking on a door $250,000 home, and there are homes and asking your potential neighbour how they like the in that range, and townhomes in the builder and the community.”
2015 Home Builders’ Annual
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