The first thing that you need to realize is how many homes are actually on the market today. The market is flooded with homes that aren't selling, and new homes, distressed and foreclosed, are being added to the listings daily. This gives buyers a distinct advantage. First off, buyers can take their time; they can afford to be picky. Homes are lingering on the market for months before being sold for peanuts. Don't rush into anything! Browse all that Toronto real estate has to offer before making an offer.
In the past, it was very common for buyers to offer more than the asking price on the first offer. Not so today. Asking prices are taking a dive, and your offer should reflect the desperate times we are facing. Of course, you should never insult someone with a low-ball offer, but bidding a little less than the asking price is acceptable. In fact, it's expected. The longer a home has been on the market, the better deal you can get. So bid accordingly.
Since prices are so reasonable in the current market, you can afford more house in Toronto than you could five years ago. You might even be able to upgrade your neighborhood without having to upgrade your mortgage. So don't be afraid to look at more expensive looking homes; you might be surprised by how little they are selling for. Throw out your ideas of what you think homes will be priced at. Everything that you know about home pricing is antiquated.
With all of these things going for you, you might be tempted to go right out a buy a new home. However, you should not rush things if you are not ready. Just as this market can help you, it can also hurt you. Declining Toronto real estate values can leave you owing more on your home than it is worth if you don't buy low or have a good down payment.
Remember; however good for buyers, this market it not fail proof. You should never make an impulse buying decision. Plan, plan, plan, and be just as cautious as you would be under less favorable circumstances. It takes more than a good deal to make buying in this market smart...it takes you and a good strategy.
