Q: Dear Realty Check,
We’re finally ready to renovate our home, but now I’m lying awake thinking about all the noise, trucks, dust, and disruption for our neighbours. Living in the Danforth means we’re all packed in pretty tightly, and I’d hate to be that house on the street. Any tips for being a good neighbour during a renovation?
– Reno Dread
A: Dear Reno Dread,
Such a great question. It’s inherently going to cause a little friction because it’s generally a long process with a bit of noise and disruption. Even if you handle it really well, it probably will still have an effect on your neighbours. What you can do is be very communicative about what’s going to happen. If you’ve got a solid contractor team they should be available and also have an approach for managing the neighbours and any situations that may arise. You can always do something nice like a gift just to acknowledge the impact. Overall if you care and are trying to do it properly, you’re already being a good neighbour. Added silverlining, it will usually improve their property value so it’s win win.
Dear Realty Check,
I think I have an unhealthy relationship with HouseSigma. My husband thinks I’m just scrolling, but I’m emotionally invested in homes I’ll probably never own. We’re not planning to move anytime soon, yet every time a beautiful house sells, I find myself thinking, “That could have been ours.” Is HouseSigma giving anyone else serious real estate FOMO?
– Sigma Obsessed
Dear Sigma Obsessed,
I actually hear that a lot of people spend time on HouseSigma or Realtor.ca whether or not they are actively buying or selling. I think it can be a problem when you’re committed to a property with no plans to move and it’s starting to cause more stress than feel like a fun way to kill time. Often I advise that people don’t pursue too much before they have a confirmed budget of what they are going to buy because if they are looking too far out of reach, it taints what they can actually afford. And let’s face it, being able to afford anything these days is pretty awesome. Shopping for real estate is a bit like dating, there will be ones who got away and it’s never gonna feel good to stalk your exes online. If you have a solid budget, plan and you’re thinking about it like research, then full steam ahead. Just like dating, when it finally comes together, it usually feels meant to be and worth the journey there.
Dear Realty Check,
The city has been bonkers this summer and I’ve got cottages on the brain. I’m thinking that we could potentially get in on one with a couple of friends and have a shared retreat from the city frenzy. We have a few couples we’ve been chatting with about this kinda seriously but I’m not sure it’s going to be more complicated than relaxing.
– Urban Fatigue
Dear Urban Fatigue,
While I enjoy a city summer, this one has pushed us all to the limits with World Cup, endless traffic/construction and just general intensity. Buying any shared property with family or friends can be a great thing or incredibly stressful. I have a full blog on what to consider so I won’t get super into the nitty gritty but you need to be sure you can navigate conflict and have really solid communication. Are these friends people you trust with money? Have you worked through a conflict before? How do all parties typically navigate conflict/relationships? Does everyone have the same vision for the property and how it will be cared for? Cottages are even more complicated because there’s generally weather damage, more repairs needed and a larger property to manage. Take your time to make sure you have the right spot (work with someone local who really really knows the area down to the specific lake and property type) and you can even consider working with a family lawyer or mediator to navigate a solid plan and contract with your friends. If you have a solid foundation ahead of time then you may just have a joint paradise escape for all.
Got a real estate question? Let’s tackle it. Send me an email (hillary@hillarylane.ca) or text/phone (416-882-4707).
