Expert homebuying advice from Frank Spaziani, Vice-President, Kylemore

By Wayne Karl
November 28, 2020

During ‘normal’ times, buying a new home is a major decision, likely one of the most significant of your life. These days, COVID-19 and its associated challenges has everyone carefully weighing location, housing type, amenities and inclusions. For guidance, we went to some of the industry’s top builders and developers for expert advice.

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Purchasing a new home and choosing where you live has never been more important than it is today. Given the costs and expenses associated with such a significant purchase, you will want to take the time to find a home that offers you built-in flexibility with features you’ll value, providing many years of enjoyable use as your family grows and changes.

Consider multi-purpose spaces that evolve to study rooms and could eventually offer privacy for teenagers. You’ll also want areas you can gather with the family. Many households include multiple generations, which may require a home layout that offers a self-contained suite. Depending on your stage in life, consider whether the floorplan offers the flexibility to adapt to your needs in the future. And, as is apparent since mid-March, we are spending more time at home, enjoying the outdoors in your yard is something many are contemplating. Finding a neighbourhood that is well located, and includes the kind of facilities, shops and services you need is important, especially with more people working from home who are reliant on local amenities.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

Timing is key to our industry, affecting both new-home buyers and builders. The initial shutdown of municipal operations and the gradual transition to online services have affected the speed at which approvals can be completed, ultimately impacting the timing for bringing new residential communities to market.

The pandemic has also influenced the availability of materials, labour and equipment necessary for building homes. This situation has us evaluating alternatives to materials such as wood sheathing, for example, to maintain construction schedules while retaining product quality.

How is Kylemore addressing the affordability issue in the GTA?

Our niche is at the top level of home design and construction and, while maintaining these standards, we do offer a range of sizes and styles suited to first-time buyers, as well as others.

In our Langstaff-Gateway development, currently in the planning stage, we are supportive of the Mayor of the City of Markham’s initiative to include some affordable housing opportunities at this Bayview and Hwy. 407 location. This, combined with Kylemore’s quality highrise buildings, will create a dynamic mix of housing.

At Angus Glen South Village in Markham, released for sale this fall, we will offer a full range of home styles, from townhomes to spacious homes on 70-ft. lots, and in the later phases midrise condominiums.

What is it about Kylemore that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or communities?

Each year, we build a finite number of high-quality homes in desirable, mature communities in the GTA. The choice locations, designs and built-in features and finishes we include mean that our homes come at a premium price we know may not suit every buyer. This is our market niche; one that has been developed and sustained over 22 years through the vision of our partners and the commitment of a hands-on team that includes loyal suppliers/trades and staff who are excited take on every new project.

About Wayne Karl

Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property. wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

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