Whether it’s your first home or your forever house, buying a new property is exciting! It’s so much fun to close your eyes and picture moving into your perfect space (and that’s the best place to start).

Once you have your ideal in mind, we always suggest creating a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers when shopping for a new home. Not only does this help save you time by quickly ruling out properties that don’t fit your Wishlist, but it also sets you up for success by defining a realistic picture of what will fit into your budget.

The first questions to answer:

1. What do you NEED in a house. A NEED is a deal-breaker – if the property doesn’t fit this need, it’s not the home for you.
2. What do you WANT in a house? A WANT is something that would be nice but isn’t a necessity.

It’s a subtle difference but an important one. And it’s best to be as straightforward as possible about your priorities before you start searching.

One of the best ways to define your list of wants and needs in a new home is to work backwards. Start by writing down absolutely everything you want – what would your dream home look like? Then go through your list, and rank your priorities.

Your Home Buyers Checklist – Where to Start

• Know your priorities
• How important is this feature to you?
• Is it something that you can change in the future?
• Can you make it a reality at some point?
• How long do you plan to be in this house? (Is this a starter or your forever home?)

And know where you are willing to waiver and what is non-negotiable. If you find a home that checks all your boxes except one – is it worth it to jump in?

Do you want a turnkey property, or are you a DIYer willing to put in a little work to get it where you want it to be?

Start with Your Dream Home!

Starting with the overall feel of the home you want helps you focus on the big picture rather than getting swept up in the details. Look at how you live, your interests, goals, and your budget when imagining your perfect space.

• Are you picturing a place in the country with a big plot of land, a high-rise condo downtown with every amenity, or a detached 4 bedroom in a family-friendly neighbourhood?
• What are the most important things to YOU? Are you a gardener who wants lots of space outside or a chef who wants an updated kitchen?
• What does your family NEED right now to be happy? Look to the future as well – are you planning on having children, retiring soon, or moving in parents?

Consider the location

Location plays a significant role in choosing your next home. Whether you’ve fallen in love with your current neighbourhood, need to be closer to work, or want to move to a better school district, consider essential factors when defining your list of must-haves.  

• Do you need to be within a certain driving distance from work?
• Is there a specific school zone you want to stay in?
• Are you looking for country/city/suburbs?
• What amenities do you want to have close by?
• Is there a particular neighbourhood you want to stay in?
• Do you want a quiet street, a home with views, or near the waterfront?

Look at structure & style

Some aspects of a home, such as paint and flooring, can be easily updated. Others, like the building type and house style, can be either costly or, in some cases, impossible to switch up. This is an excellent place to start when defining your list of wants and needs.

• Are you looking for a detached home, townhouse, or condo?
• What style of house do you prefer?
• Do you prefer a bungalow or multiple stories?
• Are you looking for a finished basement or a walk-out?
• Would you like a garage and if so how many doors?

Assess the layout

While not impossible to change, renovating the layout of a home is a huge undertaking. Keep things like square footage, design, and the number of rooms at the top of your must-haves list.

• Do you like open concept plans or divided rooms?
• How many bedrooms do you need? How many do you want? i.e. you need 3 for your family, but would love a guest room?
• Do you need extra space to work from home?
• How many bathrooms do you need?

Check exterior features

As outdoor living continues to be popular, curb appeal is becoming increasingly important to home buyers. Keep in mind the house’s exterior and what you will be using the outdoor space for – do you entertain often, is a pool a priority, and is parking a concern?

• Do you want a deck, patio, porch, or sunroom?
• Do you love extensive gardens and mowing the lawn, or would you rather have minimal work?
• Are you looking for a pool or hot tub?
• Do you need a fenced-in yard for kids or dogs to play in?

Consider heating and A/C

While generally not top of mind, updated heating and A/C should be considered when searching for your next home.

• How important are energy-efficient heating and cooling?
• Are you looking for A/C, forced air, a wood stove, or a gas fireplace?

Think about indoor fixtures & style

This area tends to be at the top of many lists, but it’s also the easiest, most cost-effective update to make to a new home. Design trends come and go so try to look past the house’s décor because you can change that once you move in.

• What type of flooring is ideal?
• Which areas of the home are most important to you? Are you looking for a gorgeous kitchen or a huge primary bedroom?

Every home buyer’s checklist will look a little different. It should be based on your lifestyle, needs and wants. Having a clear picture of your priorities, what you’re willing to give up, and what areas are deal breakers will set you up for house hunting success!

If you’re ready to search for a new home, reach out – we’re happy to help you define your checklist!