Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, the house hunting experience can be exhilarating and full of possibilities but also overwhelming. Before you start driving around aimlessly from one open house to the next, consider these five house hunting tips first:

1. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Getting pre-approved for a home loan is one of the best things to do before putting in an offer, especially when in competition. Not only does it show the home sellers that you are serious about your offer, but it also allows you to feel confident about making such a significant investment because you know it is a home that you can afford.

2. Get to Know the Neighbourhood

If you have a specific home in mind, it’s best to visit the area more than once and at different times of the day and week to ensure that you are comfortable with the community and like the vibe. Doing so is also an excellent opportunity to check out local amenities, like schools, parks, shopping, places of worship and more.

3. Have a List of Your Wants and Needs

Before searching for a home, devise a detailed house hunting checklist that outlines your wants and needs, like the type of home, location, lot size, bedrooms, bathrooms and features you want. It’s also important to know what criteria you are flexible on – you don’t want to get stuck looking for the perfect home that may not exist.

4. Hire a Home Inspector 

If you find a home that you are interested in, be sure to hire a home inspector to complete a thorough inspection of the property. The goal is to give you information about the home’s condition so that you can make an informed decision at offer time. This is also the best way to identify any significant repairs that need to be made.

5. Work with a Realtor

If you feel frustrated and overwhelmed with the house-hunting process or are tired of competing with other home buyers, a qualified real estate sales representative in your corner is advantageous. We also have access to property listings as they hit the market, so you don’t miss out on a perfect home that fits your criteria. 

Your Mississauga Real Estate Sales Representative

If you are thinking of buying a home within the Greater Toronto Area or Mississauga, I’d love to hear from you! I’ve helped hundreds of home buyers through every step of the real estate process – from deciding whether or not to buy a house to submitting a winning offer on their next dream home!

To learn more, reach out to Deborah Clerk at Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage.