Buying a home is the largest purchase many of us will make in our lifetime and it’s extremely important to make sure you’re making the right choice.

With so many different factors that come into play, such as location, size, age, etc., it can be extremely difficult to keep track of everything and know which home is best for you.

To help you choose the right home, we’ve put together a list of questions and why you should ask them.

How Old are the Appliances, Roof and other Significant Systems?

While things may look pretty on the outside, it’s crucial to consider the age of the house's essential systems, this could save you thousands of dollars!

The top five things to look for are roof, heating & cooling systems, solar panels, water heater and major appliances. 

Safety Hazards

Be sure to ask if there are or have been any issues in the past with mould, water damage, and the like.

These problems can be very expensive to repair and extremely harmful to the health and safety of your family.

Ask your agent to request documentation of past issues and repairs and be sure to keep these on file if you should this home, you may need them in the future. 

Why is the Owner Selling?

Learning why the owner is selling can help you discover how motivated they are and give you the opportunity to negotiate a better deal.

Also, be sure to ask about the owners preferred closing and possession dates and include these in your offer, this can make your offer much more attractive to them. 

How long has it been on the Market?

As we know, homes are sitting on the market for too long these days, but you may come across a few that have been listed for quite some time and these homes provide a great opportunity for negotiations.

The longer the home is on the market, the more motivated a seller often becomes, meaning they may be willing to negotiate on price, closing dates, inclusions, and more.

Major Renovations or Additions

Determine if the owner has made any big repairs or renovations while living in the home. These updates include any upgrades to the home’s appliances or systems.

Use the repair history to assess the house’s condition and gain a better understanding of the asking price (both of which can help during negotiations).

Inclusions and Exclusions

Typically fixtures, like cabinets, blinds, and faucets, all come with the house. But there are items that homebuyers often assume are included, like the washer, dryer, and refrigerator, that actually aren’t.

Be sure to ask ahead of time so you’re clear on what is and isn’t included in the sale price.

Neighbourhood

Explore the neighbourhood before making an offer, we can’t stress this one enough!

Test the commute from home to your workplace, speak with the neighbours, and check out the local parks and amenities and nearby schools if you have children.

You may even want to review the Official Community Plan to see what plans may be in the pipeline for the area.

Remember, when buying a home, you’re also buying the neighbourhood and the lifestyle it offers. 

Buying a home can be an extremely stressful process but having the right agent on your side can make all the difference.

Be sure to find an agent you trust who understands your wants and needs in your next home.

At JP Real Estate, we don’t simply want to be of service to you, we want to be of value and ensure you’re making the best decision for you, your family, and your future!