Finding a home that truly reflects your personal needs is as simple as creating a list of “must haves” and “nice to haves.”
The list below can help focus your efforts and those of your real estate agent before you even begin your search.
JUST BEGIN WITH THE BASICS
Deciding on the location, or locations, where you will focus your search should be your first priority.
What is most important to you when buying your first home? Is it the size of the home or the neighbourhood? A condo or townhouse that is closer to your work may be preferable to a larger home with a longer commute.
To determine potential locations, consider the following list of options:
| FEATURE | NEED TO HAVE | NICE TO HAVE | NOT IMPORTANT |
| NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD | | | |
| ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY | | | |
| CLOSE TO WORK | | | |
| ACCESS TO MAJOR HIGHWAYS | | | |
| CLOSE TO SCHOOLS | | | |
| CLOSE TO PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS | | | |
| IN THE CITY | | | |
IN THE SUBURBS
TRANSIT NEAR BY | | | |
STYLE OF HOME
Next, consider what style of home you would prefer: a single-family dwelling, a townhouse, or a condo.
Some neighbourhoods may offer a good mix of each style while others are more focused on just one type of home.
THE EXTERIOR
First you need to decide what is important to you when it comes to the exterior of your home. Below is a list to help you prioritize what you would like.
| FEATURE | NEED TO HAVE | NICE TO HAVE | NOT IMPORTANT |
| LARGE LOT | | | |
| MATURE LOT | | | |
| LANDSCAPED YARD | | | |
| PRIVATE YARD | | | |
| GARAGE OR CARPORT | | | |
| DECK OR PATIO | | | |
| SWIMMING POOL | | | |
| VIEW / SUN EXPOSURE | | | |
| NEW WINDOWS | | | |
| NEW GARAGE DOORS | | | |
| NEW ROOF | | | |
| BRICK | | | |
| SIDING | | | |
THE INTERIOR
You’ve decided on what your exterior needs are, now what about the interior?
Would you be most comfortable with a house that is in move-in condition, or would you be willing to do a little bit of work on a fixer upper for a reduced price?
It’s important to make a list of everything you could possibly want, and then determine how important each item is.
| FEATURE | NEED TO HAVE | NICE TO HAVE | NOT IMPORTANT |
| # OF BEDROOMS | | | |
| # OF BATHROOMS | | | |
| MASTER BEDROOM WITH ENSUITE | | | |
| DINING ROOM | | | |
| LIVING ROOM | | | |
| MAIN FLOOR FAMILY ROOM | | | |
| DEN/OFFICE | | | |
| WOOD FLOORS | | | |
| EAT-IN-KITCHEN | | | |
| UPDATED KITCHEN | | | |
| UPDATED BATHROOMS | | | |
| IN-HOME GYM | | | |
| FIREPLACE | | | |
| UNFINISHED BASEMENT | | | |
| FINISHED BASEMENT | | | |
| IN-LAW SUITE | | | |
| RENTAL SUITE | | | |
| STORAGE SPACE | | | |
| CENTRAL VAC | | | |
| SECURITY SYSTEM | | | |
| NEW FURNACE / HEAT PUMP | | | |
| UPDATED WIRING | | | |
| UPDATED PLUMBING | | | |
MOVE-IN CONDITION
Reach out today and let's talk about all your available options!
Glen Estabrooks
C: 902.489.4898
O: 902.835.3407
E: glenestabrooks@mortgagegroup.com
TOP RANKED MORTGAGE BROKER WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
MORTGAGE FINANCING FOR ALL SCENARIOS
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