Home Trends Budget Makeovers 2015 | Seite 22

2 Real Estate Advice with Joe Mancuso trends watch Text Jo Alcorn Buying your first home can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Here are a few things that will help make the process easier. CREATE A TRENDY LOOK in your bedroom by pairing this beautiful floral print with white sheets. 1 ADD A POP OF COLOUR by hanging this lovely print on your wall. Peony Bottle Art Print, Indigo, www.indigo.ca Distinctly Home Allegria Coverlet, Hudson’s Bay, www.thebay.com Dress, Ted Baker, www.tedbaker.com BOLD PRINTS in soft hues are making their way into our closets. USE THIS TREND IN MODERATION while still making a statement with this floral and antler mug. 2 3 CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM Elyse Chair and Ottoman, Crate and Barrel, www.crateandbarrel.com Know what you need. Take inventory of your wants and basic needs for your new home. This includes: number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage you require. Have a plan! Your first home should be a stepping stone towards a larger investment down the road. Most people tend to stay at least five years in a property and life can stretch your tenure in a place. 4 5 Location , location, location! Take a close look at Bag, Ted Baker, www.tedbaker.com 22 agent and get pre-qualified with a price range you can afford. This will save a lot of time in the buying process. Conditions, conditions, and more conditions! Get a home Floral Antler Mug, Indigo, www.indigo.ca ACCENT CHAIRS are a great place to add a bold floral print that coordinates with your colour scheme. Know what you can realistically afford. Consult with a mortgage inspection done as it can save you lots of potential stress and repair bills! With an inspection, you will get an idea of the issues that require your immediate attention and problems that may arise in the foreseeable future. Even the best real estate agent, although experienced, is not a certified and insured inspector. the neighbourhood and area amenities such as the quality of schools, proximity and condition of hospitals and parks, and access to public transit or major routes. - Joe Mancuso