Tips for Buying a Home

1. Know and make a list of the things your next home must have, what you would like to have, and what you don’t want.

2. Answer these questions for a guide:

• What style of home do you prefer?
• How many bedrooms and bathrooms must you have?
• Decide what is more important: home, location, or both.
• Are you willing to fix up a neglected home?
• Is the lot size important?
• What amenities are important to you?

3. Choose a Realtor you can communicate well with. A Realtor finds what you are looking for based on the information you provide. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience.

4. Determine the maximum price you can pay for a home. Get pre-qualified to buy a home; your realtor can refer you to a qualified mortgage broker at no extra cost to you.

5. View the neighbourhood. Look into the school system if you have or are planning to have children. Note neighbourhood value - make sure the house is equal to or less than that of its neighbours. You may have a more difficult time reselling if you are significantly more expensive than your neighbours.

New -

may have more modern fixtures, hookups, etc; often are better insulated; and
shouldn’t be in need of major repairs (i.e. roof) or replacements.

Old -
may have character which can mean squeaks and drafts but often a more mature lot
and landscape.

7. Be aware of the whole process. See our Realtor’s Process Page for more information.

8. Perform a safety check and inspection. Has everyone seen the movie Money Pit?

9. Imagine the property vacant. Try to visualize what your furniture would look like with the current decor, unless you are willing to paint and redecorate.

10. View several homes with the attributes from your list.

11. Did you know that when you go to or sign the guestbook at a show home, you forfeighted the use of your real estate agent?