FINDING A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD TO CALL HOME
No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be able to find a home on the island of Montreal. With neighbourhoods to accommodate just about any needs, whether those of a student seeking a convenient apartment or a family of five looking for suburban bliss, the city has plenty to offer. That said, picking a neighbourhood to call home isn’t always easy, especially if you’re not familiar with Montreal.
There are a few things to keep in mind in order to facilitate the process and ensure you’re addressing the right priorities. It all comes down to understanding your needs, said Saguy Elbaz, real-estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty Québec.
“People typically rent to begin with, and get a feel for different types of lifestyles based on the stage they are in their personal life,” he said.
A student, for example, might choose an area that is within walking distance from school, in the heart of the action and close to bars, stores and restaurants, such as the McGill Ghetto, the Plateau— Mont-Royal, Mile-End or Golden Square Mile.
Similarly, a young professional might choose a very trendy urban location.
“They tend to prioritize being close to public transportation and not far from restaurants and bars, but in an area that offers more greenery and a little more quiet,” Elbaz said. “Something along the lines of St-Henri, Griffintown or the Monkland Village area would be ideal for this group.”
A more settled individual, or someone with a family, is typically more concerned with being close to good schools and parks, and is looking for a family-friendly area such as the West Island, Westmount, Côte St-Luc, Hampstead and Outremont.
Many factors — including work schedule, kids, finances and budget, and lifestyle — come into play when choosing a neighbourhood.
“I definitely encourage people to prioritize their non-negotiable factors versus the negotiable ones,” said Claudia Argento, real-estate broker with Abbey and Olivier Agency. “Inform yourself on different neighbourhoods and study them to see which ones best suit your ideal situation, set realistic expectations, and prepare to have to make some compromises along the way.”
It’s important to be honest with yourself about your needs and to ask some essential questions about preferences and lifestyle.
“Get to know your likes and dislikes, and make a list of your needs and wants,” Elbaz said. “You should address things like your desire for peace and quiet versus your need for convenience and access to public transit. If you’re an avid cyclist or jogger, maybe being near a network of bike paths is high on your list.
“No matter what they are, it’s crucial to identify and honour your priorities.”
If you’re truly unfamiliar with an area but find yourself drawn to living there, the ideal solution would be to rent for a year — to experience the neighbourhood.
“Taking the time to get settled and used to your surroundings before investing in property is the most cautious approach,” Elbaz said. “Buying is a huge investment, so making sure you really love the location and neighbourhood is the best way to go.”
It helps to consult with locals living in the area, and a professional such as a real-estate broker, as well.
“We have experience with a variety of clients and buyers,” Elbaz said, “and have a great deal of knowledge on all the different types of neighbourhoods and suburbs that the city has to offer. As a buyer it doesn’t cost you a thing (to consult a broker), and you could avoid making a very costly mistake. I suggest asking for help and being generally informed on all your options and the different possibilities this city has to offer.”
While the process of searching for a community to call home can seem daunting, Argento urges people to try not becoming overwhelmed by the process.
“Although the change can be quite stressful, it is a process that should be enjoyable,” she said. “Brokers can definitely help with that by answering questions and providing information about aspects of a community you may not even have thought of.”