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Moving to Burlington: A Quick Relocation Guide

Friday February 8, 2019

Burlington

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If you’re thinking of moving to Burlington, you’re not alone. This welcoming city has become the perfect refuge for many former Torontonians. Home buyers are drawn to the area for its gorgeous lakefront views, close-knit sense of community and convenient location relative. In other words: there’s a good chance that deciding to move to Burlington will be easy. But locating your dream home may be a bit more complicated.

Moving to a new city always comes with challenges, and making the move to Burlington is no exception. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to find the perfect property here—and transition smoothly to life in the city.

Learn everything you need to know about moving to Burlington in our quick relocation guide…

 

Make a list of must-have features and amenities

It goes without saying that during the home hunt, you should focus on your basic requirements—like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. That said, most buyers find it helpful to get a lot more specific. Is an open-concept kitchen non-negotiable? What about being close to great green space or a major supermarket? Could a small backyard make-or-break your decision to buy—and if so, what kind of square footage will you be comfortable with? Knowing exactly what your family needs will help you narrow down the number of homes you view in Burlington. Trust us, there’s no shortage of great options to choose from.

Research local neighbourhoods

Which Burlington community is perfect for you? The answer will depend on your needs, goals, and lifestyle. If you have little ones, you might want to try a neighbourhood like Mountainside, Palmer or Brant Hills. The schools, recreational opportunities and family-oriented housing in these areas make them perfect for kids. For buyers retiring in Burlington, we love Millcroft, Tansley Woods and Roseland (among others). These neighbourhoods are picturesque, and they offer an abundance of great activities for adults of all ages. Lastly, if you’re the type who likes to be at the centre of it all, you might want to consider the thriving downtown area—or a community like Corporate, which offers incredible condo-living opportunities.

Determine your budget

Your home-buying dollars will likely go a bit further in Burlington than they would in central Toronto. That said, it’s important to create a budget no matter where you’re home hunting. Knowing what you can afford means less time wasted on homes that fall outside of your price range. To start budgeting, begin with your after-tax household income. Next, subtract your ongoing monthly expenses. Consider the new costs you’ll take on in your new home, as well as any that will no longer be applicable. From there, you can figure out roughly how much you can comfortably put toward mortgage payments. Most of the major banks offer online mortgage calculators, which can be helpful.

Look into your commute

For many home buyers, Burlington’s proximity to Hamilton is a major selling point. If you work or play in this thriving port city, you’ll be thrilled to discover just how convenient it can be to get there from your new home. The drive is about ten minutes to the west. Likewise, getting to Milton or Oakville is a breeze (it takes just a few minutes to reach either destination). Depending on how much time you’re planning to spend in these areas, you might want to map out routes from the homes you’re considering in Burlington. Your real estate agent should also be able to give you an idea of how long it will take to various points in and around the city.

Find a local real estate expert

Speaking of agents, look for one who’s a Burlington expert. A professional who knows the city inside and out can help ensure that you find your perfect home in your ideal neighbourhood. They’ll have the local market expertise, community knowledge, and real estate connections to do the job right. Of course, the most important thing is that you find a professional who you’re comfortable with. When you’re interviewing agents, be sure to ask not only about their experience in Burlington but their approach to home-buying in general. The right professional will clearly lay out how the process works and answer any questions you might have.

While relocating to a new city is bound to come with challenges, being prepared can help you avoid major headaches. We hope you’ll consider taking the steps above to become a proud (and content) Burlington homeowner!

Are you ready to learn more about moving to Burlington? We have the local market knowledge and experience to help. Contact us to discuss your needs today.