Moving to the city

January 5, 2012

Jonathan and Drew Scott of the hit show Property Brothers offer tips and tricks when making the move from the ‘burbs to the big city.

Tim and Michelle had grown up in the ‘burbs. They were used to large lots with big homes and had no idea what was waiting for them in the big city. Tim had no interest in getting a small house in the city and Michelle was set on having all the high-end finishes she has seen in design magazines. This was definitely a tough project for Property Brothers. But, in the end, we were able to find them a house with great potential, and turned it into a home they would be happy to call their own.

Here are our 10 tips when moving into the city.

1 Let’s get physical and emotional
Buying a home is both a physical and emotional task, especially if you’re making the big move into the city where houses typically cost more per square foot. You shouldn’t feel you’re getting less bang for your buck, though, and we always encourage buyers to think of the positives on Property Brothers. The commuting time you save by living downtown can be spent with family, getting ahead at the office or simply enjoying life.

2 Know the neighbours
If you like quiet living out in the suburbs, you don’t have to lose this when moving to an urban area. Every city has a variety of communities, so whether it’s a quiet, established area or a bustling business district, you’ll be sure to find something you like. Spend time driving through the different neighbourhoods, talk with locals and familiarize yourself with the surroundings.

3 Expect the unexpected
Downtown houses tend to be older than those found in the suburbs, so do your research and read up on what to look for. Prime examples would be knob and tube wiring, foundation issues or asbestos. This is why it’s important to work with professionals who know the local market. Whether it’s a realtor, contractor or inspector, they’ll make your life easier by ensuring you don’t buy a money pit.

4 You may be out of your parents’ place but house rules still apply
Many properties in a city are governed by a home owner’s association (condos and single-family communities can have this). If you are new to this style of living, it’s important to realize that it comes with many regulations and restrictions. For example, you may need permission from the board to renovate your space, or to use certain types of materials on your exterior. Some condo complexes have pet restrictions, and may even limit what furnishing you can place on your balcony. As well, there are additional fees that usually cover maintenance, amenities and sometimes utilities. Don’t be discouraged, though. These regulations are in place to ensure quality of living and to help maintain the appeal of the complex. Just be sure to educate yourself fully on the community before buying.

5 Pets in the city
Aside from condo restrictions, you also need to consider other pet-friendly aspects of the neighbourhood. If you have a large dog that needs lots of room to run, be sure you have a dog-friendly park close by. Also, keep in mind that the city has more traffic than the suburbs and therefore can be very dangerous if your pet wanders off. Ensure it has its ID tags on at all times.

6 So close, yet only a little further away
Just because you are moving to the city doesn’t mean you have to live right in the downtown core. By simply looking for a house a few blocks away, you may be able to save thousands, get more square footage and still have all the conveniences of downtown amenities.

7 Traffic vs transit
Prepare yourself for more traffic in the city. This is why we always recommend buying a home close to public transit, as it gives you one extra tool against traffic delays. This will also give the home resale value since the majority of people in a city like the convenience of not having the expenses of owning a vehicle. If you think about it, a 30-minute drive in rush hour could be reduced to a 10-minute commute via transit.

8 To park or not to park, that is the question
You may be used to free street parking, long driveways and three-car garages, but it’s a different story in the city. Parking comes at a premium. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of paying to own your parking versus relying on rental or street usage. If you find that public transit is your primary mode of travel, then you may be able to save even more by getting rid of your car. There are also ‘per use’ vehicle services in most major cities, with auto share vehicles that can be handy if you require only occasional wheels.

9 The sounds of downtown
The city comes with added noise. Is your house under a flight path? Are you backed onto the rail line or near a nightclub? These are major concerns for many when buying in the city. Drive through your potential community at different times of day to see if there are any surprises. Also keep in mind that the city has tighter noise restrictions for you, too. So, the late night karaoke parties you do every Friday may need to wrap up early.

10 Take your pick
It can cost more if a contractor needs to travel to the ‘burbs for a job. In the city, you have more contractors and therefore more competitive pricing (still, check them out thoroughly). This is the same for vendor pricing. With big box stores, specialty shops – and everything in between – you will have a greater selection of products at very competitive prices.

Watch the Property Brothers Thursdays at 9p.m. on the W Network.

Drew and Jonathan Scott Property brothers
Real estate agent Drew Scott and his twin brother, contractor Jonathan Scott, are experts who help couples find, buy and transform extreme fixer-uppers into the ultimate dream home. wnetwork.com/propertybrothers

Filed under: RENOVATIONS