A new age is upon us, one full of technological advancements that were once the stuff of science fiction. Who would have thought that one day, people would communicate via video chat with someone on the other side of the planet, right from your kitchen table? It’s an unprecedented world where opportunities can pop out of the blue and lead you in directions you never even dreamed of. And sometimes, those opportunities bring you to a new home in a city or province you have yet to step foot in. 

When that happens, you find yourself with a series of critical decisions to make. In the face of a fast-changing real estate market with rising housing prices, some people are considering what was once unthinkable:

Should you buy a house you haven’t seen yet? What should you do if you find yourself in such a position? The tips in this article will help guide you to just the right home in the perfect location, even if you don’t get a chance to visit in person.

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Why Choose Oakville?

The question of “where” is the first thing you want to address. The finer details, like the house you live in and what features you want, come later. The “perfect house” in the wrong location will never feel like home! But when you’re relocating to a city you’ve never seen, it’s hard to go wrong with a place like Oakville.

After years of growth and development, Oakville retains a small-town feel, with safe communities and a friendly, welcoming vibe where you won’t feel like a stranger for long. 

As one of the more affluent cities in Canada, the tree-lined residential streets are quiet and safe, but you’ll never experience a moment of boredom. The downtown core is full of bustling activity, with superb shopping and entertainment options and a dining scene filled with endless choices in every cuisine you can think of.

Situated between Toronto and Hamilton, Oakville is ultra convenient for anyone who travels for business or leisure. When driving, you’ll have easy access to the QEW, with Toronto to the East and Niagara Falls, one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, an hour to the West. You also find several Go Stations in town, saving you stress and time during heavy traffic.

Oakville has a lot to offer, whether you’re a single professional looking to upgrade your lifestyle or a family looking for a welcoming environment. And I’ve saved the best for last! The views along Lakeshore are simply spectacular, and the waterfront parks are the site of many exciting events, including one-off festivals and Canada celebrations. However, you don’t have to wait for a special day to take in the views. You can come out for a bike ride or leisurely stroll along the boardwalk 365 days of the year.

If you decide on Oakville as your destination, you’re one giant step closer to a successful and exciting relocation. But before looking at houses, it’s time to drill down a little further.

Looking for more resources for a seamless relocation? The following posts will help you stay on track:

Get to Know Your Neighbourhood

Knowing your city is essential. Your next task is narrowing it down to the neighbourhood you want to settle in. Oakville has many communities ready to welcome you, and it’s just a matter of knowing where you fit in best. Do you want to be close to downtown, where the streets are alive with people bustling to and fro? Or are you more comfortable with a neighbourhood that’s a little more out of the way and private?

In Oakville, your possibilities are nearly endless. You can start by making a list of what is important to you. The following checklist can help:

  • How many schools are in the neighbourhood? Are they highly rated?
  • Is walkability essential to you, or are you okay with being car-dependent?
  • Do you prefer access to public transit?
  • What amenities do you want to have nearby? For example, grocery stores, schools, parks, and hospitals.
  • Are there any upcoming development plans or construction projects that may impact the area?
  • What is the noise level like during different times of the day?
  • Are there any recreational facilities like gyms, swimming pools, or sports complexes nearby?
  • Are there any local events or festivals that take place in the neighbourhood?
  • If you plan to make major upgrades or renovations, are there any zoning restrictions or homeowner association rules you should be aware of?

Fortunately, Oakville is full of neighbourhoods that can check off most, if not all, of your boxes. With a clear picture of where you want to be, it’s time to move on to the most exciting part of the home-buying process. The next question is, “What do you want in your new home?”

The following tools will help you get to know Oakville better and plan your purchase:

Your New House: Bringing Your Vision to Life

The thought of buying a home sight unseen can seem intimidating. It’s not like buying a new shirt that can be returned. This is no impulse purchase but a decision you make only after careful consideration. Your first step is to create a vision for your home, one with as much detail as possible, while being flexible to leave your options open. 

Building this vision starts with you. Do you want a house where you can turn the key and move in while doing few or no updates? A new build might be the best choice in this situation. Or are you willing to renovate and mould the home to your specifications? If that sounds like you, perhaps an older home in an established area will do the trick. 

Of course, your final choice might fall somewhere between these two extremes. However, now that you know what you want and need, you can get to the specifics of the home itself. For example:

  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms should your home have?
  • What square footage do you need?
  • Are stairs okay, or do you prefer everything on one level?
  • Do you prefer a townhouse or a detached home?

It will help to make a list of everything you want and need for your home. Once that list is complete, you can go back and rank each feature according to its importance. Being clear about what you want while remaining flexible will help you find what you’re looking for while being open to opportunities you might have otherwise missed.

Embrace Technology

You may not be able to visit the homes you’re considering in person. The good news is that modern technology is the next best thing. You can begin searching for your home online, from anywhere in the world.

You can find out nearly everything there is to know about a potential house with a quick Google search. Plus, programs like Matterport and iGuide provide crystal-clear images and high-resolution virtual tours with such precise detail that it can feel like you’re in the home, even if you’re half a world away. 

Work With a Local Real Estate Agent

As valuable as online tools can be, nothing beats the expertise and insight a local real estate agent can bring, especially when you can’t see the home you’re purchasing for yourself. Your local agent can work with you side by side, always there for you by phone, email, or text to answer your urgent questions. 

This personal touch can be combined with the latest technology. Imagine a FaceTime call while your agent walks you through every corner, addressing every question and concern to ensure the house is everything you hoped it would be when you open the doors for the first time. 

The assistance of a local expert in choosing the right home is just the beginning. Your agent will also work with the seller and negotiate effectively on your behalf to help you purchase the right house at the best possible price and terms.

Do you have questions about your real estate options in the Oakville or Halton area? I’m happy to provide you with the latest stats and accurate information so you can make informed choices about your future. Reach out today right here or call 416.884.7925 for more information or to get started.