ET Canada reporter Sangita Patel on finding the perfect home

The former host of HGTV Canada’s Home To Win says it has a lot to do with her kids

ET Canada entertainment reporter Sangita Patel is also a real estate buff, a member of our Post City Rotman Real Estate Roundtable and former host of HGTV Canada’s Home To Win. She is currently overseeing the construction of her dream home while living in rental accommodations with her family. Here, Patel answers our questions on the move and the market.

How is the dream home coming along?

What a year! We are currently still living in a rental while our new home is being built. We’re hoping it will be finished by the end of the year. It was challenging for us to sell a home in the beginning of the pandemic while we already owned another property. But the rental is fine for now!

Are you surprised by how quickly and thoroughly the real estate market marched on this year?

It’s pretty incredible. Many people are moving in with family members, and with more time at home, people are wanting to buy places with more space. I was surprised how many people are willing to make such big life decisions and major moves during this time, but it’s great for them, and the market is hot!

During the pandemic many people left town and worked virtually. How has that been for you?

Yes, the silver lining of this time is learning what is most important, and for me it’s my family. Having this time with the kids and my hubby has been a blessing. Routines have changed, and I am learning more about self-care: things don’t always have to be “go, go, go!” If there is a way to create a hybrid of this world of working from home and going to the office, I think that would be a good thing.

What were a few things learned about renovating your dream home?

Creating our dream home has been such a unique experience but also very overwhelming. When you see the blueprints for a house, it’s one thing, but when we were able to see 3D graphics of the house, our minds were blown! Such a game changer. There have been little changes we have needed to deal with along the way, but I would just tell people to be open to the process. I can’t wait to see the final product!

How long did it take to find that perfect home?

It’s been about a year. Everything has been slower with the current climate. We originally found the lot after a drive with our realtor, and the property actually wasn’t for sale at the time. But I kept asking about it, and our realtor kept following up, telling us they might be selling, and now here we are.

Did you apply any tips gleaned from Home To Win?

Yes! For four seasons I was able to give away a dream home, and now I get to build our own. It’s pretty amazing that I was fortunate enough to learn so much from some of the best in the biz! One of my fave tips was not to be afraid of black paint!

What would you say to those out trying to find a home these days?

It’s an interesting time right now, so many people are buying, taking advantage of low mortgage rates, but the housing prices are insane! We bought at the right time, and we did it for our kids, so they can attend the high school in this neighbourhood. Anything for the kids!

What are the advantages of finding a nice spot with room outside the city?

I was brought up in the city, and I moved when I was ready to have my first child. I wanted to be able to leave the chaos of downtown and live in a more serene space. We love having the extra space for the kids to run around and for us to spend time as a family in the backyard. It feels like a getaway!

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