Complete House Hunting Checklist for Buyers (NEW List)

Real Estate GTA Real Estate Market Townhouse Real Estate 101

The home buying process is a complex task that includes deciding if you are ready to become a homeowner, if you are financially ready, and are set from all dimensions to go looking for a property following the house hunting checklist. For many residents of GTA, Toronto and Ontario, buying a home is a dream. Not only does owning a home allow you to build assets, but you also have more control than renting a home. In other words, as a homeowner, there are many responsibilities and not everyone is competent.

If you are considering buying a home, here is a complete house hunting checklist for buyers that you should follow. 
 

1. Make your wish list 

Be honest about what you absolutely need at your ideal home. Divide your list into two: one should be including things that you "can't live without" and the other should comprise of things that will be "good to have." If you are moving in with a partner, share the deciding factors and negotiate commodities with each other. For example, one of you may not be able to live without a dishwasher and another insists on putting a tub in the master bathroom. Hashing these items before you start searching will save you time and stress in the process. Another factor that you can consider is whether you need connected houses or detached ones. All these together form an important step which should be included in a house hunting checklist. 
 

2. Run down a deep inspection/quality-check

While buying a home, you will have to go for a physical visit to ensure all round inspection of your property. This is one of the most significant points of a house hunting checklist and every house purchaser should consider it. During the visit, be sure to check all aspects of the kitchen and bathroom. Flush the toilet, open the sink, and start the shower.  You should also look for any kind of leaks, slow drainage, and low water pressure that can be problematic in the future. In addition, you should take a walk around the basement, garage, or attic. If you can\'t see the wall, ask to move the box. Carry a flashlight with you and look for signs of mold, mouse droppings, or water stains, such as rotten wood or white chalk on the walls. Dive into an introspective inspection of the house and make sure to try the windows and find out if they are easy to open and close. Make sure all windows in the house are closed and have a functional screen. This is a remarkable and witty way to ensure that the real estate property is high in quality and is hence a good fit for purchase. 
 

3. Check if the property is pet-friendly
 

If you have a pet and you intend to rent a home, you need to understand the building\'s pet policy and the cost of each animal. It may be subject to a certain number of furry friends, weight restrictions for each pet, or restrictions on specific types of animals or breeds. If you are buying a home, it is best to know if previous residents have had pets. Odor and stains in pet urine and feces can prove difficult to remove, especially when they are set on carpets and other fabrics.

This can put pressure on you and your pet. If you happen to have pets, consider whether you need a fenced yard. Repairing fences in poor condition or installing new ones can bear a big cost. This is why ensuring the stance of the pet is an important part of a house hunting checklist. 
 

4. Check the age of all household appliances

If you are buying a home, the seller will probably only need to repair the totally damaged items which the inspector will churn out. However, if the appliances are out of date but not totally damaged, you may need to bear the cost for the upgrades of those appliances. Although the landlord is generally responsible for repairing any electrical appliance, as a tenant, dealing with damaged electrical appliances is still problematic. This is why keeping track of these appliances are important. For ensuring future instances, ask the landlord if he can allow maintenance personnel to do a quick inspection of all electrical appliances before the date of registration. It is important for your housing checklist to include this significant point. 

People also read this: New Condo Purchase Checklist
 

5. Make a visit to the neighborhood

Currently, if you do not live in the area, the best way to get to know your new location is to visit it at different times of the day. Get moving, look for and listen for the warning signs. The warning signs can differ and can have a varied range. Check out whether a dog barks continuously or do the cars speed way too much on the street? Is the construction noisy or how common is theft in the community you are considering? Apart from these, you should also research and accumulate details of the local housing market to have a rough idea about the potential price of your house in the future.

This comes handy if you wish to resell your property at times of need. Due to growing nuances surfacing in many neighborhoods in the recent run, making a visit to your new neighborhood is a significant part of a house hunting checklist. You can also read more about the best neighborhoods in GTA. Ajax Condos for Sale
 

6. Consider all the different seasons

When buying a home, make sure you check out all typical weather patterns and temperatures for each season. If you rent a home, make it clear that you or the landlord are responsible for lawn care or snow removal. If you want to buy a house, check the trees around the house.

Old tree roots can invade sewers. During storms, unpruned branches can pose a threat to the roof and gutters. Whether you are renting or buying a home being the homeowner,  remember to contact your local independent insurance agent to make sure your homeowners or renter\'s insurance policy is up to date. These are important updates that every house hunting checklist should consist of. 

Anot Group
Sep 27, 2021