The city’s west end is brimming with lifestyle opportunities to suit a diverse number of homebuyers, which is why we think it’s the best place in Toronto to invest in, and plant roots. With everything from quiet enclaves, bustling pockets, and abundant green space, to strong community pride, countless local events, excellent schools, a vibrant dining scene, and much more, there is so much to love about the west end. Before you start house hunting, keep reading to learn our tips for navigating the market and the five things you need to know to be successful.  

1. Choose the right representation

You may have heard of homeowners choosing to sell or buy without the guidance of a real estate professional, and that might seem tempting, but working with an experienced agent is the best way to protect your important investment. 

A trained realtor is going to have your best interests at heart, know the market inside-and-out, and know how to navigate the process so you’re successful no matter what. Here’s what to consider when looking for representation:

• Do they have experience in your ideal neighbourhood?
• What is their recent transaction history like?
• What is their area of expertise?
• What are their professional skills/certifications?
• Do you get along?
• Do you know anyone else who has worked with them?

Meet the experts at Brake Real Estate here.

These are all important factors to consider. You’ll want to ensure your agent is someone you actually like, since you’ll be spending a lot of time together, and you’re trusting them with what’s likely your greatest asset. Don’t rush the process, and remember that the cost of hiring an agent doesn’t come from your pocket—the seller pays the buyer agent’s commission. So why not work with a professional? 

2. Know before you go

It’s exciting to get out there and start looking for your dream property. And whether you’re looking for a starter home in a townhouse condo or a spacious single-family detached property, you’ll find it among the variety of West Toronto real estate options. 

But before you jump in head-first, it’s important to outline exactly what you want from your new home. This way, you can shorten the time it takes to find your property match, and save money in the process. When searching for your ideal West Toronto property, consider:

• Your favourite neighbourhoods/communities
• Your ideal property type
• Your budget
• Property condition 

Divide your list into “must-have” and “nice-to-have” sections to make it easier to find the right home. Working with an experienced west end agent can help you determine your exact criteria.

Get Our Buyer’s Guide here for a step-by-step roadmap to buying a home in West Toronto.

3. Prepare your finances

The next important step is getting a mortgage pre-approval before starting your home search. Without one, you won’t really know how much house you can afford, and sellers will be less inclined to take your offer. A pre-approval simplifies the process because you can narrow down your options, and you’ll look like a serious buyer to sellers. A pre-approval empowers your market position, and gives you a competitive edge. Your agent can recommend trusted financial professionals in their network.

Talk to our team here to get help finding excellent mortgage specialist referrals.

4. See homes in person

While the internet is a great place to start your preliminary search, you really need to hit the ground running and view properties in real life to make a smart choice for your first home. Floor plans, pictures, and video tours don’t compare to stepping into a home and getting a feel for the space. Viewing properties with your agent is a great learning experience, because you’ll start to become a more savvy homebuyer with every house you look at. 

Again, it’s important to take your time while house hunting. You don’t want to settle for something that doesn’t measure up, or overpay for a home and end up with buyer’s remorse. Don’t forget to keep an open mind. You may not find a house with everything on your checklist, but if it has potential, it’s probably a good option. House hunting is an exciting time—so remember to enjoy the process.

See available homes in West Toronto here.

5. A home inspection is a must

Buying a home in West Toronto is a significant investment. Not just financially, but emotionally as well. Before committing to something this important, you want to make sure you’re making a sound investment. Besides working with a reputable agent, getting a home inspection is another important step to protect your interests. If there is anything about the house that isn’t up to par, you’ll find out in the home inspection. Then you can decide if you still want to place an offer.

Knowledge is power, and a home inspection will equip you with the information you need to make an intelligent purchase decision. Be sure to go to the inspection with your agent so you can see for yourself if there are any potential issues. Like property showings, a home inspection is a great opportunity to increase your real estate knowledge and become an educated homeowner.

Buying your first home in West Toronto is an exciting time. Although the market can be unpredictable, there are steps you can take to ensure you have a positive experience. Follow these five steps to strengthen your market position, streamline the process, and minimize the hiccups along the way. If you need representation or just have questions about buying property in the west end, reach out to our team here. Happy house hunting!