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What Should YOU Purchase?

Before you begin looking for a new home, it is important that you consider the needs of all the people it must shelter and what effect their daily activities will have on your desire for a certain size or location, both now and in the future.

Thinking about some of the following factors will help you determine where and what you should purchase.

Community:

Rural? Small town? Suburban? City?

What facilities are available: places of worship? recreation facilities? hospitals? schools?

Are property taxes comparable to those in other communities?

Are there any future developments planned which you may not like?

Are the sewage and water systems adequate?

What is the availability and cost of utilities: electricity? gas? water?

What public services are provided: police? fire protection? ambulance? garbage collection? mail delivery? snow removal?

Transportation:

Is there nearby public transportation available?

Do you mind a long commute to work or to visit friends?

Can you afford to drive to and park at your workplace?

Will another car be needed for your spouse to drive to work, to shop, or take the children to school or other activities?

Are major roads easily accessible?

Neighbourhood:

Is public and private property maintained to your satisfaction?

What is the composition of families living nearby: quiet, mature people? teenagers? potential playmates for children? Are their incomes and lifestyles compatible with yours?

Have property values risen, fallen or remained stable in the recent past?

Are there any known projects on the horizon which could substantially change the quality of the lifestyle or the property prices in the area?

Do you feel comfortable with the current zoning regulations? Will they protect property values yet still allow you to use a dwelling in the way you envision: outdoor basketball hoops and barbecues? storing you boat? a home-based business? keeping chickens/rabbits/horses? cutting trees? high fences? a basement suite? etc., etc.

When you walk up and down the streets of the neighbourhood, can you picture yourself living there for several years into the future?

Dwelling:

Are you interested in brand new only? a historic, character house? an already renovated resale? a solid, older house that just needs redecorating? or can you just purchase a "fixer-upper" and do major renovations yourself?

What combination of space do you require? Think not only about bedrooms, bathrooms and garages, but also about areas for hobby activities and children’s play: and storage for clothes, skis, bicycles, windsurfers, tools, garden equipment, etc.

Is a large, well-equipped kitchen important to you? how about a fireplace? a large entrance hall? a sundeck? a pool?

Would you prefer a small lawn and low-maintenance garden, or do you enjoy cutting grass and making things grow?

Do you need a dwelling with room to eventually accommodate more children? elderly parents? in-laws?

Schools:

What schooling is available: primary? high school? adult evening programs? college?

How close are the schools and how do the children get there?

Are the schools crowded? Is the sports program satisfactory? Do the students have a high achievement record?

If your family has special educational needs, are these available?

[ Decision to Purchase ] [ Your Budget ] [ Closing Costs ] [ What to Buy? ]
[ Your Agent ] [ The Big Search ] [ Buyer Beware ] [ Making an Offer ]
[ Subject Clauses ] [ More Financing ] [ Completion ]