Your Complete House Hunting Check List to Find Your Dream Home
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Written by Merisa Gomez-Adams
As seen in “Living Room: Trends & Insights For Your Home” on realtor.ca
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When looking for a home, there are many things to consider. From the price of the property and its location, to the number of rooms and whether it has a nice yard, these are all standard contemplations house hunters have at the top of their list. However, there are other things to keep in mind you may not be considering.
Inquiring as to whether there’s street lighting nearby, how many outlets there are in a room, what kind of pipes are in use, what type and style of windows are installed, and whether there are zoning restrictions are additional questions that you should consider when you’re looking to purchase your dream home.
Read on to learn more about the essential aspects you should have or add to your house hunting checklist.
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Price And Location
“Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your lifetime,” shares Julia Hurst, a REALTOR® at Keller Williams Capital Realty in Rothesay, New Brunswick. “Undoubtedly, the price of a home is one of the primary considerations for most buyers. Establishing a clear budget that not only covers the purchase price, but also includes additional costs like closing fees, property taxes, and maintenance expenses is incredibly important.”
Hurst says, “the saying ‘location, location, location’ is a real estate mantra for a reason!” The location of a home dictates both the demand, price, and desirability, and for this reason, it’s important to “think about your lifestyle and future plans when assessing the location.”
“The neighbourhood you choose can greatly impact your daily life,” Hurst explains. “Therefore, considering things like the proximity to work, schools, shopping centres, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas should all be top of mind.”
Accordingly, some examples of questions you should be asking yourself are:
- Am I okay with living in a neighbourhood full of children?
- Does the area offer accessible infrastructure?
- What’s the age group of the rest of the homeowners in the area?
- Am I close to amenities such as schools, city services, public pools, places of worship, restaurants, etc?
Remember, REALTOR.ca listings come with neighbourhood information powered by Local Logic. Make sure to check that tab out when looking at your next property!
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The Home’s Exterior
Before falling in love with a property’s aesthetics, ensure it has solid structural integrity.
Structurally impaired properties can lead to expensive, unanticipated repairs if the crucial step of organizing a home inspection is overlooked. You want your home to be able to maintain its structure over time, so “by taking a good look at the foundation, roof, windows, plumbing, electrical systems, and more can save you from costly repairs down the road,” shares Hurst.
Though you’ll spend most of your time enjoying the interior of your home, there are still things to consider when it comes to the exterior. As you’re looking at potential homes, keep these things in mind:
- What’s the lot size?
- What kind of house is it (single family, semi-detached, townhome)?
- Which direction does the home face? When will you be getting the most sun?
- Is it a shared or private driveway?
- How close are the houses next to you?
- What type of siding does it have, and what is the general upkeep of this material?
- What’s the condition of the landscaping?
- Does it have a garage?
- Is there a front porch?
- Are there street lights nearby?
- Is there a private backyard?
- Does the foundation have any major cracks?
- What’s the aesthetic of the home?
- Is the roof in good condition?
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The Home’s Interior
Setting aside the individual rooms, it’s important to get a good gauge of the home’s interior as a whole.
“Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any additional rooms or features (like a home office or backyard) you require now or may require down the line,” recommends Hurst.
You should also ask yourself things like:
- Do you like the interior architectural aesthetic?
- Is there good soundproofing between rooms?
- Is the home open-concept?
- Is there a lot of storage space?
- Do the locks, latches, and handles work well?
- Do the windows and doors open well without sticking?
- Are the doorways and hallways wide enough to move around and move in your furniture?
When it comes to the individual rooms, there are further things you can ask or look for to make sure you’re considering every element of a potential home.
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The KIitchen
- Does it have an eat-in area?
- Is there a kitchen island?
- What’s the pantry space like?
- What’s the colour-scheme, and will it need to be changed?
- Does this layout work for your family?
- What types of counters are there?
- Do the appliances come with the home?
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The Living And Dining Rooms
- What type of flooring is there?
- Is there a fireplace? Is it wood-burning?
- Is there a separate dining room?
- Is there a lot of natural light?
- How many light fixtures are there?
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The Bathrooms
- Is there an ensuite bathroom?
- Is there enough counter space for everyone who will be using it?
- Are there enough outlets and are they in convenient locations?
- Is there a walk-in shower?
- Is the shower tall enough for your needs?
- Is the water pressure decent?
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The Bedrooms
- What’s the flooring type?
- Is there enough floor space for what you need?
- Is there closet space for what you need?
- How many windows are there?
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The Basement
- Is it finished?
- Is there enough headroom for you?
- Is it a walk-out basement?
- How many windows are there?
- Is there any evidence of flooding issues or moisture?
- Check out the storage and furnace areas for any obvious issues (a home inspector will ensure the system is safe and up to date).
- Are any bedrooms in the basement up to code?
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Other Things To Consider
- Were there recent renovations done? If yes, who did them and can you see the receipts?
- What type of heating is it?
- Is the electrical system up to date?
- What type and size of water heater is there?
- What type and rating of insulation is used in the house?
- Is the house on sewer or septic?
- What are your options for cable, internet, and cell service in the area?
- Are there overnight parking restrictions?
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Don’t Forget The Resale Value
Yes, even when you’re hunting for a home to buy, resale value should be a top consideration.
“Even if you’re planning to stay in your new home for many years, it’s wise to consider its resale potential,” explains Hurst. “Think of your purchase like an investment. Market conditions can change, and you may need to sell your property in the future. Factors like neighbourhood desirability, school districts, and property conditions can all influence resale value.”
Remember, your REALTOR® can provide valuable insights into the current market and help you make decisions that will benefit you in the long term.
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Bring A List
Purchasing a home is a significant decision, and while there can be stressful moments along the way, it should be, overall, a fun experience!
“It’s essential to approach it with careful consideration and an open mind to possibilities. Make a list of needs versus wants and prioritize what are the non-negotiable items and what are the things that you could live without and maybe add later,” advises Hurst.
Hurst encourages “working with an experienced REALTOR® who will help make the process smoother and will ensure you find a home that aligns with your goals,” and adds, “take your time, do your research, and align with a REALTOR® who you feel most comfortable with.”
Check out our full house hunting checklist below. Save it in your phone or print it off for when you attend your next open house to ensure you’re ticking all the boxes—literally!
Download your Complete House Hunting Check List here courtesy of realtor.ca
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