Chatham real estate

Chatham grew up along the Thames River, and the river is still the centre of town. Tecumseh Park sits right on the water, and the downtown streets around it have the older brick commercial blocks you would expect in a southwestern Ontario town. It is the municipal centre for all of Chatham-Kent, so a lot of everyday services are here.

Life in Chatham is practical. Most of what you need is a short drive away, the traffic is nothing like a big city, and you are never far from open farmland. A lot of families who work in town choose to live in Chatham itself, while others go out to Blenheim, Dresden or Thamesville for a smaller-town feel and commute in.

Close to downtown and the river you find the oldest homes: brick two-storeys and storey-and-a-halfs, many with big front porches, deep lots and the kind of woodwork you do not see in newer houses. They have character, and they also have the age that comes with it, so I always look hard at wiring, plumbing, foundations and windows with buyers.

Further out are the bungalow streets and side-splits that went up after the war and through the following decades, often on good-sized lots. On the edges of town there are newer subdivisions with attached garages and open floor plans. Chatham also has most of Chatham-Kent's condos and townhouses, which suit first-time buyers and people who want less upkeep.

If you are new to Chatham, I like to spend a little time driving different parts of town with you before we start booking showings. Two houses at the same price can be in very different settings, and you will know quickly which streets feel right. From there we narrow it down and get serious.

Older homes deserve a good home inspection, and I make sure there is time for one. If you are coming from a bigger city, you may find your budget goes a lot further here, and it is easy to get excited. My job is to keep you excited and careful at the same time. You can start with the houses for sale in Chatham and then call me about the ones you like.

Chatham buyers include local families, first-time buyers, retirees and people relocating from London, Windsor and further away. A good listing speaks to the people most likely to buy your kind of home, and the price has to make sense against what else is for sale nearby.

I will walk through your house, give you an honest opinion on what to fix and what to leave, and explain how I would price and market it. If you just want a number to start, ask for a home evaluation, or read how I work on my seller page.