Buying a first property: making the right choice, in the right place

Buying a home is a major decision, and its location – municipality, neighborhood – has a direct influence not only on the purchase price and property taxes, but also on the buyers’ quality of life for years to come. come. Here are seven factors to consider when dropping off in the right place.

1

Needs assessment, today and tomorrow To go from dream to reality and find the property of your dreams in the right place, you have to do your homework. Will the family grow? A home in the suburbs, near good schools and large parks, may be a good option. Do you lack time? Maintaining a large lot may not be realistic. Is the environmental issue close to your heart? A plex in the city, close to all services, where travel is on foot or by public transport, will probably suit you. The choice of the district where one settles requires reflection and preparation. You have to take the time to draw up a list of criteria, then identify which ones have priority – and which ones can be set aside.

2

Word-of-mouth To target potentially interesting places to live, nothing beats going to the source and asking those around you for recommendations. A call to all is a great idea! We can also consult the social media hosted by the residents of a borough or municipality that interests us.

3

Access to public transport A factor of prime importance for practical, economic and environmental reasons. Proximity to the metro, bus lines, commuter trains and the REM has a direct impact on property values ​​and is a game-changer for parents of teens or future teens who don’t want to take too many taxis!

4

Distance and travel time to work The price of housing outside major centers, which have recently gained in popularity due to the generalization of telecommuting, is often more advantageous. That said, you also have to take into account the purchase and maintenance of a car or two, not to mention the cost of gas. As for distances, they can be deceiving; it is better to rely on the actual duration of the journeys. A house “20 minutes from downtown” may be on weekends, but not necessarily on weekdays during rush hour. That’s why it’s best to test the most frequent routes – to work and schools, for example – in real time.

5

Daycare centers and schools A factor of primary importance for families and those in the making, from early childhood to university. To consider: waiting lists and proximity to CPEs and private daycares, access to specific educational programs (sports-studies, arts-studies, international education programs) in schools, CEGEPs and universities, costs and the duration of transport. Also consider that access to quality public schools can save parents private tuition fees.

6

Parks and green spaces Running 5 km in the morning, going on family bike rides, walking your dog or simply getting some fresh air: these activities take on a whole new dimension when you practice them in a bucolic setting nearby from home! Access to public swimming pools and soccer, football, baseball or tennis fields also contributes to the quality of life, as does the presence of green alleys, which are veritable playgrounds for children and promote gatherings between neighbors. In addition, green spaces create islands of coolness that are much appreciated during the summer months.

7

Neighborhood life and services Sports complexes, cultural centres, shops, businesses, markets, restaurants: the proximity and quality of services have a direct impact on daily lifestyle. To feel the pulse of a neighborhood before buying a property there, you can go shopping in the shops, have a bite to eat in a restaurant or take a trip to the library. And to find out more about the neighborhood of a particular sector, you can walk or bike there and ask questions of the residents you meet. It’s always very revealing!
For more information: desjardins.com/reer-celi

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This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.