Location. One of the prime considerations is the location. How close is the property to your place of work, schools, cultural attractions, shopping centres, recreational facilities, community and religious facilities, and transportation? How attractive is the present and future development of the area surrounding the property?

Pricing and Affordability. The pricing of the property you are considering should be competitive with that of other, similar offerings. This can be difficult unless you are comparing identical homes in a subdivision or condos in the same complex. Your realtor can obtain accurate information on comparative pricing.

Zoning By-Laws. Many people don’t give much thought to zoning by-laws when buying a house, but since these can change, it is important to verify with the municipality if there are any proposed or pending changes to the current zoning by-laws in the area you are considering. Also attempt to find out if there are any specific developments planned that would affect the character of the area.

Thoroughly Examine the Home and Neighborhood. Surveys have shown that the average home buyer spends 17 minutes looking at the home before making the decision to purchase. And in many cases that decision is made entirely on an emotional basis. You don’t want to suffer from buyer’s remorse. Do not make a hasty decision after a superficial look. You want to look at the property on several occasions to obtain a fresh perspective. Look at it in the day and evening, and preferably in rainy and sunny weather. Make up a list of questions for the agent to ask of the seller. Look at the house when the owner is not present so you can examine it thoroughly and at a leisurely pace.

Reasons for Sale. It is important to determine why the property is for sale. Maybe the seller knows something you don’t, which will have a bearing on your further interest. On the other hand, maybe it is simply due to a desire to move up to a larger home or down to a smaller one. Other reasons include separation or divorce, loss of employment, job relocation, or serious illness or disability.

Call now John MK Lam 604-671-1818