Things to seriously consider while home hunting

NC) When it comes to finding just the right home, it's important for prospective buyers to have far more than just a good feeling before putting an offer on the table.

“First impressions definitely count, but there are many not-so-obvious features that you should be looking for to decide if a home is right for you,” says Patricia Verge, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

Here are some things to consider when viewing each place:

• Immediate surroundings – Visit the area at various times of the day to get a true sense of the home's surroundings. A quiet street on the weekend might get a lot busier on weekdays due to through traffic or a nearby school.

• Neighbours – Residents are the window into a neighbourhood. Talk to them – they'll be able to fill you in on things that may have an impact on your decision to buy.

• The view – Research any development happening in the neighbourhood especially if you're considering a home backing onto vacant land.

• Remodelling challenges – Discuss your remodelling plans with the seller's Realtor to get a sense of the renovations that might be possible or not, due to structural or other reasons.

• The surprises – You may encounter things during a showing that you had not anticipated. Give these some thought. A detached garage for example, may seem minor at first, but you might not think so in the winter.

“Try to be as candid as possible with your Realtor when drawing up your home wish list,” Verge suggests. “If you're both on the same page, you'll be sure to find a home that meets most, if not all, of your needs and wants.”

More information is available at www.wedothehomework.ca.