Home > About BNE > Press Room > 2009 Archive > December > Personal Relocation to the Buffalo Niagara Region

Personal Relocation to the Buffalo Niagara Region

Frequent media reports suggest a favorable housing market and a positive outlook for the Buffalo Niagara Region.  This region did not experience either the pricing boom or bust as experienced in other major markets, but rather remained stable.

There is an abundance of homes in neighborhoods where the Canadian buyer can fully maintain or enhance their quality of life.  The downtown waterfront offers condominiums with incredible views and prices that are very favorable when compared to the Toronto waterfront.  The average price for a 3-bedroom, 3-bath, upscale condo is $500K.  Suburban neighborhoods, for the family oriented, are within close proximity to sports fields, shopping, restaurants and the arts.  For those wishing a hassle-free lifestyle there is an ever increasing number of apartments.  Apartment living today is very competitive to single family living, offering many of the same amenities.  Again, for an upscale 2-3 bedrooms, 2 bath apartment one can expect to pay between $1500-$1800/month.  Some complexes offer free parking while others negotiate a monthly or yearly fee.  Prices vary according to location.
 
To give some pricing examples: the average sale price year to date for the Southtown area (e.g. Hamburg, Orchard Park) is $188K and the Northtown area (e.g. Williamsville, Clarence), is $240K.  In this price range the home would consist of 3-4 bedrooms, 2-2 ½ baths, and approximately be 2,000-2,400 square feet.  A standard lot would be around 1,475 square feet.  The Southtowns afford slightly larger lots.

With so many options for the transferee, it is best to have one point of contact. Most residential real estate companies have a relocation department that would qualify individually what the homeowner is looking for.  They would then discuss neighborhoods, schools, proximity to work, and shopping.  A sales associate would then be assigned to further assist with the home search.  Agents working with transferees are trained to work efficiently and professionally.  They have access to every property in the local MLS system.  If a transferee is just starting to look and not quite ready for a one on one, www.buffaloniagarahomes.com offers a tremendous amount of information.

The basics for a primary residence purchase is an H1 work visa along with a US working history, established US credit and permanent resident alien status.  It is suggested that each buyer receive individualized representation from a mortgage banker and legal representative.

We encourage all Canadians to investigate the benefits of a purchase here in Buffalo Niagara Region and we welcome you to the “City of Good Neighbors.”

For additional information on personal relocation and residential real estate, you can reach out to me any time.  My contact details are: Stella Webb, Relocation Services Director, 6000 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221, 716-689-8182 x 624, swebb@realtyusa.com