Gone are the days when we live our entire lives within the same house in which we were born. Today it is estimated that we will move an average of 5 times over our lifetimes. Personally, I’ve racked up 7 already, including a quaint hobby farm in Cheshire UK, a tiny first apartment in Toronto, a beloved post-war in Guelph and my current stone suitor in Fergus. I’ve loved every one of them for their quirks and character, and each resonates with a specific juncture in my life.
Finding the majority of these properties warranted partnering-up with a local realtor, especially for that big move across the pond in 1982 to Puslinch. My parents sourced a Real Estate professional who could advise on school districts, grocery stores, activities, and lumberyards. When we finally arrived in September with a truckload of dogs and fewer clothes than I would have advised, I couldn’t believe that my parents had chosen this forsaken place on a dirt road, miles from anywhere. My own vision of the perfect house would have been more urban and walkable, in an area populated with a disproportionate number of teenage boys. In retrospect, I’m sure that it was a good thing nobody asked for my input.
Anyhow, I digress….
In each case, sourcing a real estate professional who is intimately familiar with the area was invaluable for assuring how we would fit in with the landscape, not only in our home but also within the local community.
Moving is one of the most stressful and anxiety-inducing life events. It’s ranked right up there with job loss, divorce, and death. Relocating to an unfamiliar area just adds to that stress. Maybe you want to downsize, upsize or add acreage. Perhaps you have to relocate for work or parents or kids. Whatever the reason, do yourself a solid and align with a realtor who understands the landscape and who will help you source your team of local professionals including lawyers, lenders, contractors, and tradespeople.
Relying upon your longtime Toronto, Milton or Brampton realtor won’t inject the same insight into the Fergus and Elora community as using a local agent will. Heck, even your Guelph or trusty KW realtor may not be aware of the nuances and future plans for Elora and Fergus. Where are the best deals, what areas are going to see more development, where is the hospital, fire station, best pet-sitting facility, and daycare? Your locally connected realtor will be able to facilitate your transition more seamlessly and introduce you into the fabric of the community.
We are experiencing an influx of buyers from the suburbs of Toronto who are driven by localized pricing. They are motivated to find the sweet-spot between future equity while avoiding a house-poor existence. Families still want to own a home, they just want to have more liquidity in their bank accounts for the fun stuff. Fergus and Elora shine brightly for these families. New home construction, developing communities and smart infrastructure spending has Centre Wellington poised to meet all their needs for the foreseeable future. Being a local realtor is akin to being an ambassador for a particular community and I adore showing newbies around. It’s amazing to talk up the incredible stores and world-class eateries, the natural beauty of the Gorge and Quarry, the new hospital and the schools. I love pointing out the European architecture and slipping them a cheat sheet on why they should relocate.
So, in closing, be sure to tap into the intimate knowledge of a local realtor whenever and wherever you might be purchasing. Experienced and knowledgeable professionals are your best advocates and sources of everything any-town. Wondering about Fergus or Elora? Well hey there, let’s grab coffee sometime soon and chat.….