Home-Finding Help

Once you’ve calculated your personal mortgage capability, your next step is to sit down with your real estate agent and discuss exactly the type of home you are looking for... and what you and your family require in a home.

Many potential buyers are already quite sure of the style of house they want. Others will enlist the aid of an agent to help them narrow the focus of their search for their dream home.

Here are some of the home-finding options you'll need to consider:

The look: Classic Victorian, the simpler Edwardian style or perhaps something more modern and distinctive.

The size: From a bungalow to three stories. How many bedrooms will you need (now and in the future)?

Do you want stairs?

How about an extra large kitchen with a breakfast nook?

Perhaps you will want a separate living room and family room.

Another need might be a master bedroom separated from the other bedrooms.

Many 'dream' homes include a fireplace.

What about parking? A garage? A driveway?

How many washrooms are you going to need (now and in the future)?

Is gardening a pleasure or a chore? ('Zero lot line' homes are available, offering small front and rear yards.)

You'll likely discover that, at any given time, the range of houses available on the market will accommodate all or most of those options.

Once you and Rick have clearly defined your 'dream' home, you can deal with the 'location' factors. Location will play a major role in the price you'll have to pay.

Here, again, you can work with Rick to define the 'dream' neighborhood for your home. Factors could include school proximity or travel distance to work. Here are some of the criteria we recommend you consider...

Identity. In an area like Toronto, most people will have a general knowledge of neighborhoods and a perception of them. Mention Rosedale or Riverdale or East York and people will have a clear impression of what each has to offer. That area 'identity' can affect the price of a home.

Neighborhood Appearance. We recommend you drive through a neighborhood where you are considering purchasing a house. Look at the lawns and the general maintenance of the other homes. Are there a lot of For Sale signs? Are there businesses encroaching on residential areas?

Property Taxes. Your real estate agent can advise you on the range of taxes in the area. Once you decide on a home, Rick will supply you with more accurate information. You don't want any unpleasant tax surprises.

Zoning and Building Regulation. Most residential communities are zoned to keep out commercial and industrial use. But you need to be sure. In case you want to renovate and possibly expand your new home, you'll must be aware of possible building regulations. Rick is knowledgeable about this.

Community Services. Inform your agent about daily living considerations that may be important to your decision. Churches, day care centres, recreational facilities, parks, shopping areas, medical services and transportation are just a few of the services you should inquire about.

Neighbors. Chances are your agent will have a pretty good 'feel' for who lives nearby your prospective new home. It's sometimes difficult to find out specific information about neighbors. But it can't hurt to walk around and observe and chat with anyone willing to talk.

Call "The Wall" For Real Estate Support.