Preparing for your Home Search

Your Needs and Wants

A good place to start your search for a new home is to prepare a detailed ‘wish list’ — and then make a comparison of your wants or wishes and your needs or what you must have. For example:

Needs

• near schools
• four bedrooms
• attached garage
• close to bus route
• large garden

Wants

• swimming pool
• horse facilities
• three car garage
• view of the lake
• south-facing yard

Include the type of housing - detached home or condominium, bungalow or two-story, and size - which best suits your needs. Consider location, transportation or commuting time, and new or resale.If you are handy with tools or a paint brush, you might consider a home with a great floor plan even though it’s in need of some repairs or updating. Otherwise, a home in a newer community might be more suitable.Make it a family decision””include the children and your spouse. Or, if you’re buying on your own, talk to friends about their home buying experience.

Make the list

Record a list of your needs and wants. Do you need an extra bathroom, a garage, a fenced backyard, or lower utility bills? Do you want a fireplace, a short drive to work, or maybe minimal yard work? Once your list is complete, review it and decide what is most important to your lifestyle. Decide which items are “musts” and which you are willing to give up.

Location

Deciding where you want to live may be the single most important factor in choosing a home. Location affects your day-to-day living and is one of the most significant influences on value. Your choice of location may be limited somewhat by the price you can afford. Even so, make sure you consider such things as:

• Distance to work, schools, shopping, and entertainment,
• Proposed changes in land use such as commercial shopping centres and new roads, and potential problems such as noise from a nearby airport or roadway.

Type of home and lot

A single-family detached home is attractive to many people because it typically provides more living space and land area than other types of living units. Typically the detached structure permits you greater freedom (less restrictions) on remodeling, expanding, painting, and altering the appearances of the structure. On the other hand, a condominium may be a more appropriate choice for you, with an emphasis on maintenance-free living.

Size and style

Consider size and style. You may already have in mind a contemporary home with a sun deck or a two-storey Victorian-style with a cozy study. Or maybe you won’t know what you want or like until you see it. Whatever the case, your realtor should listen to your preferences and help find the right home for you.