House hunting is a process that can be stressful, exhausting, or exciting – it all depends on who you ask. If you ask us, house hunting is an excellent opportunity to assess your needs, find what works for you, and get what you want.

Whether you are just beginning your journey, are halfway through, or need to know the finer details, here are the top tips for house hunting that will streamline your experience…

1. Budget For Your Life (and Your Lifestyle)

Buying a home is one thing, but what about your other expenses? Keep in mind the cost of potential repairs, closing costs, and the cost of living in the area (Will you have to pay for parking? How much will your utility bills add up to? Can you factor in your monthly gym membership?).

2. Safety Is Key

Anything that could be a safety issue is worth considering. Worried about knob-and-tube wiring? What about Kitec plumbing? How does the roof look, or the foundation? These are the kinds of things that should be addressed immediately. The last thing you want to do is find out that your new home is a money pit. When you work with us, you will get to know every element of a home, beyond the aesthetics, so that you don’t fall in love with a repairman’s dream.

3. Stay Focused

Seeing a new home is obviously exciting. You start to imagine where the furniture goes, where you will go for coffee every morning, and how your children would love playing in the backyard. At the same time, you need to stay focused beyond the romantic options that your home can provide. One of the best tips for house hunting is that your home is more than its looks – keep your wits about you and concentrate on how this home fits into your financial abilities, long-term goals, and overall needs.

4. Day and Night

You can learn a lot about a home depending on the time of day. Pay attention to the home’s location, the direction it faces, and the way the floor plan is laid out to get the full picture of how a home looks throughout the day. Visit once in the morning and once in the evening to assess how the home looks and what the activity level is like in the neighbourhood. This way, you can spare yourself sleepless nights or hectic mornings due to loud neighbours or heavy traffic outside your door.

5. Photos and Videos

With the home owner’s permission, take a collection of photos and videos ­– especially if you are seeing multiple homes in a day. Keep a detailed collection of the different homes, so that you can properly assess which ones make the grade and which ones are worth avoiding. When you work with us, we will make sure all information is organized and straightforward so you do not get mixed up and end up with “Dream Home B” instead of “Dream Home A.”

One of the best tips for house hunting, however, is to work with the right team. For over 30 years, our clients have trusted us to minimize risk, offer unbiased opinions, and ensure their best interests are served. We can do the same for you. Contact our team today to talk about your needs by emailing us at niels@christensengroup.ca or calling us at 416-441-2888.