You’ve heard the horror stories about people paying too much for houses, not having an inspection done, and then finding dozens of expensive problems. Real estate professionals Ian Hawkins & Cindy Ryerse have seen it countless times! We want to help by giving you some tips on how to make a smart purchase without getting burned.

• Stick to Your Budget: Avoid making the mistake of looking at homes outside your price range. Don’t just think about monthly mortgage payments; also be honest about your lifestyle and how much you spend on entertainment, food, clothing, etc. There’s nothing worse than ending up house-poor because you overlooked your spending habits.
• Think Long-Term: Before jumping in to buy a town house, bungalow or other type of home, ask yourself: What do I intend to do with this property for the next 5 to 10 years? If there’s a good chance of you moving in less than 5 years, most real estate professionals would suggest looking at other options.
• Know How to Walk Away: Buying a home is an emotional experience because it will determine so much of what happens in your life. However, it is critical to remove emotions from the equation as much as possible. It’s important to love your home, but you should love it because the numbers work, it’s in a good location, the house is in good condition.
• Support System: Having real estate professionals who understand your personal and financial situation is key, but what many buyers forget is that advice from those close to you is just as important. Your spouse, family members and friends can help you stay on track and not get carried away.

Looking for experienced real estate professionals in Collingwood ON? Look no further than Ian Hawkins & Cindy Ryerse. We have 50 years of combined experience in the real estate industry, and our expertise and friendly customer service put us head and shoulders above our competition!