Brenda Bouw – Home Girl: The Single Woman”s Guide to Buying Real Estate in Canada

Home Girl: The Single Woman’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in Canada

By: Brenda Bouw

Publisher: Wiley (2007)

Pages: 272

Format: Ebook (PDF)

Description

Statistics show that Canadian women now outnumber men in buying a house or condo. Women see the value in owning property. They are no longer waiting for, or expecting, a “Mr. Right” to come along before taking one of the key financial steps of their lives. Such is the case with the author of Home Girls: The Single Woman’s Guide to Buying Real Estate in Canada

Brenda Bouw’s own experiences in buying and selling real estate, and those of other single women she interviewed for the book—as well as insights from real estate professionals—are built into this informative and entertaining guide. If you are looking at buying a first property, you’ll find out about the pitfalls you need to avoid and the necessary steps you must take to make that purchase a success story. If you already own real estate, you might be interested in renovating your house, buying an investment property or even becoming a landlord. Here are some of the key concepts:

* How to tell if you’re ready to own your own home
* What to look for in a house
* The role of a real estate agent
* The offer, the deal, the closing and the aftermath
* The dozens of little expenses that you might not be aware of before it’s time to pay for them
* What renovations to tackle yourself, and when it’s time to call a pro
* How to become a landlord—and if you really want to be one

It is a truism that women tend to be more focused, organized and informed when it comes to making major purchases. Home Girl is the perfect book to give you an edge when it comes to understanding the process and negotiating your best deal. From thinking about buying a property, to getting the keys from your lawyer and popping the cork, Home Girl is the perfect companion to have along for the ride.

About the Author

Brenda Bouw has been a writer and journalist for more than 15 years, working in print and broadcast newsrooms across the country in cities such as Toronto, Hamilton, Edmonton and Fredericton. She bought and sold three homes in the Toronto area before age 35 and is currently living in Vancouver with her dog Rufus.
More information about Brenda Bouw and Home Girl: The Single Womens’ Guide to Buying Canadian Real Estate is available at www.brendabouw.com

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Are You Ready?
Buying Smart and Solo
Renting vs. Owning
Can You Afford It?
You’re Ready, But Not So Fast!
Congratulations!
Chapter 2: The Perfect Agent
It’s Not You—It’s Me
Buying from a Floor Plan
Going It Alone
Real Estate Agents Are People, Too
Living Happily Ever After
Chapter 3: Location, Location, Location
House or Condo?
“Wow, this space is huge—or is it?”
New or Resale?
Get to Know Your Builder
Miss Fix It?
Safe and Sound
Up Close and Personal: Neighbours
Resale Potential
Location Lowdown
Chapter 4: Your Finances
Your Credit Rating
Bank or Broker?
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Preapproval Reprise
Understanding Mortgages
The Home Buyer’s Plan
Which Type of Mortgage Is Right for Me?
Other Expenses that Can Add Up
Insurance of All Kinds
Chapter 5: Making the Offer
Before You Bid
Put It in Writing
What Price Should You Offer?
Terms and Conditions of Sale
Buying a Resale Condo
Presenting the Offer
Offers and Counter-Offers
Buying a New Home or Condo from a Builder
Chapter 6: They Said Yes! Now What?
Dealing with Buyer’s Remorse
What if I Lose My Job?
Before You Get the Keys
Closing Day
Chapter 7: Maybe It’s a “Money Pit”— But It’s Your Money Pit
Safety First
Budgeting for Real Life
The Fun Spending
Budgeting: The Whole Story
Chapter 8: Renovate Right
Why Renovate?
Golden Rules of Renovation
Advice from Homeowners
Chapter 9: Becoming a Landlord
Second Suites (also known as “Granny Flats”)
Finding the Perfect Tenant
Before You Add Landlord to Your List of Titles…
What to Do About Problem Tenants
The Vacancy Issue
Chapter 10: Is It Time to Sell?
To Be, or Not to Be, Your Own Agent
The Price Is Right
Make a Good First Impression
The Five Senses of Home Selling
It’s Not Just What’s Inside that Counts
The Winner Is…
Chapter 11: Buying a Second Property
Are You a Two-Home Woman?
Financing the Second Home
Before You Go Second-Home Hunting
Guide to Inspecting Recreational Property
Becoming a Second-Home Owner
Conclusion: Buy Yourself
Index