Keeping Behavior in Check at an Open House

Buying a home is something that most people look forward to, especially if it's their first foray into home ownership. However, sometimes, eagerness and excitement can make them unaware of how they behave, specifically when they are looking into the homes they are interested in or attending open houses. If you are shopping around for your dream home, remember that good behavior can go a long way and may even land you a good price.

If the property owner is giving you a tour, remember that voicing out what is on your mind is not necessarily helpful. You may feel like criticizing the owner for choosing a velvet couch or wall-to-wall carpeting even though they own three golden retrievers that shed hair like crazy. Keep in mind that you are there to see if the house is a good fit for you and your family, not judge how the previous occupants lived.

While you may be enthusiastic about examining every corner of the home as if a crime scene investigator to spot possible problems like peeling paint and such, be aware that there may be areas that the owner still want to keep as private as possible, such as the kids' bedroom or their master bedroom. Thus, don't invite yourself in a locked room unless the owner grants you permission to do so. By displaying good behavior, you may just receive the deal of a lifetime.

A Condo Unit Close to the Skies or the Ground?

Do you enjoy the majestic view from the top floors of Vancouver’s condos? Do you find condos closer to the ground more convenient for your kids and daily baggage?

There’s no concrete answer as to whether ground or top-floor condo units are better. In the end, they’re just like your average living space, just situated multiple floors away from one another. Upon closer look, however, both ground and top-floor units offer practical advantages you can consider when you’re in the market for a condo unit.

Condo units closer to the ground enjoy the benefit of easy access. If you often carry heavy bags, it won’t take you as long to get home to your ground-floor unit than a top-floor one. In addition, you’re generally safer in a fire because you can reach the ground more quickly and escape the building. Ground-floor units are also good if you have kids; they may get tired even in the elevator ride.

Top-floor units have their own pros. A day in Vancouver can get really noisy, but people living on top-floor units will barely hear the sounds of progress. Add the fact that dust is less likely to settle on top-floor units and you have a clean, low-maintenance unit at your disposal. There are also instances when people living closer to the skies can predict the weather more accurately.