This is the second in a series of tips on buying and selling real estate:

While many buyers shy away from used cars, that's not the case with "used" or resale homes. As a resale home exists, you don't have to visualize what it will look like - you see what you get, and get what you see.


Also, resale homes are usually sold in more established communities and neighbourhoods. That means recreational facilities, transportation links, support services, schools and shopping centres are already in place.

Many people believe that they get better value buying a resale home, since appliances, light fixtures, floor and window coverings can be negotiated in the deal. Improvements like fences, paved driveways and landscaping automatically go with the house, too.

The survey needed by both you and the lender often is available from the seller, but make sure it's up-to-date. And you can reduce the risk of being saddled with hidden defects by having a home inspector examine a resale home before the offer becomes firm.

For buyers on a tight budget, a resale home in move-in condition is always an appealing choice - you even avoid the GST!

Tip No. 1: Buy First Or Sell First?
Tip No. 3: The Marketing Plan
Tip No. 4: Getting Interest On Your Deposit
Tip No. 5: What Are The "Usual Adjustments"?
Tip No. 6: Insuring Your Mortgage
Tip No. 7: Home Insurance
Tip No. 8: Choosing A Lawyer
Tip No. 9: The Offer To Purchase
Tip No. 10: Home Inspections
Tip No. 11: Surveys
Tip No. 12: The Counter Offer
Tip No. 13: Conditional Offers
Tip No. 14: Why Buy A Brand New Home?
Tip No. 15: Deposits - A Vital Part Of Every Deal


Excerpted from Alan Silverstein's Forty Plus One Real Estate Tips. Mr. Silverstein is a Toronto lawyer, author and broadcaster who devotes most of his practice to residential real estate and mortgage financing issues.
This page is provided as a service to the reader.  It is not an advertisement for, nor an endorsement of, Alan Silverstein.  The views expressed are those of the author.