If you are in the market for a new home, it can get easy to get bogged down in less than important details like that ugly wallpaper in the bathroom (that is something that is simple enough to change!). But likewise, it can also be easy to overlook some really important items!

Here are our top three things to look for when walking through a home for the first time:

1. What needs work?

It is ok to purchase a home that needs some work, but it is important to be realistic about the kind of time and money investment you will have to make in order to complete that work. If you are “handy” you may be able to save some money and complete some of the work yourself but you need to know your abilities – otherwise, you could end up having to pay a contractor even more to fix your mistakes. 

When assessing a home for its renovation potential, some things – like the need to repair a roof, or adding more cable jacks to a home office might be obvious. Some things might be less obvious, however. For example, does that fireplace in the living room actually work, or has it been out of commission for some time because it needs a new flue? 

Finally, you will also want to inspect for signs of more major issues such as horizontal cracks in the basement walls or water stains on the ceilings. These could be signs that your renovation bills might be higher than expected with this particular home. 
 

2. Size and storage

An empty or well-staged home can look bigger than it really is, so it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether a home meets your family’s need for space. If you have a young family, you may want to ask yourself if this home would still be big enough if you decided (or if nature decided!) to have another child.

Pay attention to how much storage space a home has. If your family enjoys sports like hockey, or paddleboarding, is there enough room for all of your gear or will your home look messy and cluttered once you move in?

Look at the kitchen as well. Is there sufficient counter and cabinet space?
In assessing whether a home has enough space for you and your family, it is helpful to imagine how you will use each room, and what items you will need in each room.
 

3. The neighbourhood

Finally, to really know if a home is right for you, you should also consider the neighbourhood. If you are a private person, is there enough room between the home you are looking at and others in the area, or can you see what the neighbour is watching on TV from the master bathroom?

Or if you are a more social person, is this a home where you can chat with your neighbour over the fence and see them at the local coffee shop?

How close is this home to your work? What about other amenities like schools, parks, and so forth? Can you imagine yourself and your family enjoying this neighbourhood for years to come?

Contact Mark Adelson or Brandon Weiss!
If you are in the market for a new home, we can help you find one that suits the needs of you and your family. Contact us today to get started.