What to Look for When Buying a House in Toronto?

When viewing a home, buyers tend to look at the big picture that the home has to offer – they ask questions such as “Is this home big enough?” “Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?” “Is the backyard large enough?”

And of course, these questions are incredibly important, but there are also specific details you must focus on as a buyer in order to get the right house.

Diving a little deeper can be the difference between a fantastic find and one that leaves you underwhelmed with the experience. Here’s a little house hunting checklist to keep handy during your search.

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Balancing Clarity and Flexibility

Could the perfect home for you be in disguise? If you’ve done your homework, you have a pretty clear picture of what you want and what you don’t want. Specific goals can be a double-edged sword when it comes to Toronto real estate.

Clarity on what you want is ideal as it helps you avoid problem homes. However, being overly specific can also weed out options that need just a little care and would otherwise be fantastic. For example:

Bypassing a house because it’s on a busy street or the layout is all wrong is proper due diligence.

Overlooking a property because of outdated paint or other minor cosmetic imperfection could be a missed opportunity.

Are you looking for more real estate tips for buyers? There’s plenty in the posts below:

What to Check When Buying a House

“Good bones” is one of the first things to consider when buying a house. Most people are open to a few minor repairs, and almost everyone wants to add their own personal touches.

However, there’s a fine line between “needs a little care” and “soon to be a nightmare.” How do you know if you are really getting the best value?

A home inspection by a qualified professional can help you proceed with peace of mind. They will check the major systems and the foundation and let you know about any potential red flags. From there, your real estate agent can help you decide whether to place an offer with a price concession that allows for repairs or keep searching.

If the market is in your favour, you might add a condition of home inspection before agreeing to buy the property. If not, arranging an inspection of your own is generally a good idea. You can also check with the listing agent to see if the seller has obtained a pre-listing inspection.

Wondering what neighbourhood you should consider for your next home? The posts below can help you identify your ideal location:

What Is the Market Value of the House?

Getting fair value is one of the main factors to consider when buying a house, especially as Toronto real estate prices rise. It’s also important to remember that the listing price isn’t always what you pay in the end.

Some sellers could be using outdated advice and over-pricing their property in the hopes that you will negotiate.
Another strategy is to come in low in an attempt to generate multiple offers and a bidding war.

Ultimately, how much a house is worth is determined by its quality and location, but also how much a buyer is willing to pay in the current market. By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent in your area, you can craft compelling offers the seller is likely to accept without paying more than you need to for the home you want.

Now that you’ve got the background information you need to negotiate, let’s take a room-by-room walk-through of what to look for when viewing a house.

Are you curious about what homes are available in Toronto right now? Begin your research by viewing our featured listings.

Living Room and Family Room

The living room is among the most important rooms for many buyers. This is where you’ll spend many hours together, and you want it to be comfortable and inviting.

Consider your lifestyle when viewing the living room and the family room. Will your existing furniture fit or will you have to shop for everything brand new? Think also of any future get-togethers you want to host. Can you imagine entertaining in these rooms? Do you even need a separate living room and family room?

Kitchen

Here’s another very important space in your home. Think of how you will want to use your kitchen over the years.

Do you want an eat-in kitchen plus an extra dining room? Is it spacious enough for everyone to sit comfortably at the table? Take a look at the cupboards and counters as well to ensure they are sufficient.

Bathrooms

Whether you share a home with several family members or live on your own – be sure to ask about the number and size of the bathrooms.

Is the main floor bathroom a comfortable size? The ensuite deserves its own conversation. Does it have those spa-like features you’ve always dreamed of, or can you install them easily enough?

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are another major consideration when buying a house. Many people already have the existing furniture, but will it all fit?

In addition, does the house have enough bedrooms and are they large enough to accommodate your children or any guests you plan to entertain? Seeing the floor plan will help you measure and plan your move. Your real estate agent can likely get you an updated copy.

Storage Space

Storage is particularly important if you tend to have many items you want to save or if you’re shopping for a condo.

Is the storage space or locker enough for your needs? How much will you require as time goes on? Is an attic or a basement enough for the items you don’t use every day but still want to keep?

Lack of storage is one of the most common reasons people want to move. By considering your needs today and in the future, you can prevent an unnecessary disruption for your family later.

Closets

There can never be enough closet space! Is there enough room for your needs and belongings? Do you want a separate broom and linen closet? If you plan to build an additional closet, make sure the space can accommodate the renovations.

Garage

The garage isn’t just for parking. Many homeowners use it as extra storage, or even as a workshop. If this is important to you, check to make sure the layout and square footage are appropriate.

Interested in getting more tips on how to select your dream home? Our West Toronto real estate agents are happy to help. Reach out today at 416-769-3437 or email info@sidorovainwood.com with any questions.

What to Look for When Buying a House in Toronto

Balancing Clarity and Flexibility

What to Check When Buying a House