Tips for Buying a House in a Competitive Brampton Real Estate Market

Buying a house in Brampton is becoming more and more challenging as inventory is at an all-time low with prices increasing at an unprecedented rate.

It is not unusual for a property to be shown to more than six prospective buyers within hours of being listed. What’s more, sellers are holding off offers to increase the likelihood of multiple offers.  Added to this, is the common practice of bully offers – buyers (and their Agents) registering an offer before the agreed-upon date, at a price higher than the listed price, with a very short irrevocable date.

Here are the tips for buying a house in a competitive Brampton real estate market.

Get a Mortgage Pre-approval

You will be asked to fill out a mortgage application. Your lender will do a thorough analysis of your credit report and look at your ability to purchase a property.  It’s important to note, however, that while many buyers are opting to go in firm when making an offer, having a pre-approval does not guarantee full approval. It is strongly suggested that you speak with your lender to discuss the risks of buying a home in Brampton without full approval.

Do a professional inspection

It is highly recommended that you have a home inspection done on the property before going in firm on an offer. Note, most sellers in Brampton will allow buyers to do a home inspection prior to the presentation date. Alarm bells should go off if they deny your request for a home inspection.

Stay in touch with your Real Estate Agent

Keep in contact with your real estate agent and clearly express your needs. Ask him/her to set you up to receive listings as soon as they become available. Be ready to view the house on short notice – if it is a great home, it will go quickly.

Be realistic

There is no such thing as a “perfect” home. Determine ahead of time what you can live without.

Be prepared to make a decision

Don’t hum and haw when you see a home you love; there will probably be five or more prospective buyers who also love the home and are ready to make an offer.

Bid competitively 

You may not want to start out offering the highest price you can afford. Similarly, it is suggested that you not go in too low as you may offend the seller.

Keep clauses to a minimum  

An offer with fewer clauses is more appealing to the seller.In conclusion, if now is the time to purchase a home, don’t be timid. Your chances of being a winner in a bidding war will be much greater if you are prepared.

Bring the deposit with you

From the view of the seller and their real estate agent, the buyer appears more serious when they come to the offer presentation with the deposit in the form of a bank draft.

Stay calm

If your offer is not accepted don’t despair, there are homes coming on the market every day.