Let the Showings Begin!

Shopping for a home can be both exciting and exhausting but doing some preparation before you hit the street to look at homes will help tremendously.

Scheduled Showings

It’s time to get out and see some of the houses you’ve been looking at in person. We will compile a list of the properties you’ve found, as well as options we’ve found of similar properties on the local Multiples Listing Service (MLS).

Here are some great tips to keep in mind when you’re viewing properties in person:

• Don’t try to schedule all the properties you want to view into one day

• Don’t be put off by interior decoration - they can and will change

• Bring a notebook, pen, camera etc. with you as you search

• Keep a folder with flyers or print-outs on properties that you’ve viewed

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions

Questions About the Property

When you find a home you really like, there are some probing questions you might want to ask. Remember, a professional home inspection will be neccessary to completly answer most of these questions.

General

1. When was the home built?

2. How many owners has it had?

3. How does the asking price compare to other houses in the neighbourhood?

4. What did the property sell for when the current owner purchased it?

5. What are the annual property taxes? Will the taxes increase with the transfer of deed?

6. Is there a builder’s warranty on the property? What are the details of the warranty?

7. Will there be additional structures built around the property that could distort the view?

Outside

1. What is the level of ground maintenance that will be required?

2. Are there any structural anomalies or problems with the outside area of the property?

Inside

1. Is there adequate insulation?

2. What improvements/additions has the homeowner made to the property since purchase?

3. What appliances is the seller offering in the sale?

Major Systems

1. What is the age and condition of each major system in the home (plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling)?

2. What type of fuel is the home heated with?

3. What are the average monthly utility costs? What are the winter and summer highs and lows