Buyers

After determining your needs about what you're looking for in the ideal home, it's time to start looking! Here are some ways to begin looking for your new home:

• Word-of-mouth
  Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a new home. Surprising things sometimes happen. For example, you might hear about a home that is just becoming available on the market.
   
• My Online Listings
  Check out my website and view the residential listings. New listings are always being added and taking a look online can provide you with a lot of the information you need to narrow down your search. You can search by location, price, number of bedrooms, and other features.
   
• Newspapers and real estate magazines
  Check the new homes section in daily newspapers. Look for the free real estate magazines available at newsstands, convenience stores and other outlets. These publications are free and give pictures and short descriptions of homes for sale.
   
• “For Sale” signs
  Drive, bike or walk around a neighbourhood that interests you and look for “For Sale” signs. This is a good way to find homes that are being sold by the owner and are not listed with an agent.
   
• Visit new development sites
  If you are looking for a newly built home, you can see available models and get information from builders.
   
• Work with a realtor
  For most buyers, a realtor is key to finding the right home.

Useful Tips for Your Search

• Keep records
  Whether you have a realtor or are looking by yourself, visit lots of homes before choosing one. Some things to compare are the home’s energy rating, utility costs, property taxes and major repairs. These will affect your monthly housing expenses. You can ask to see copies of utility and other bills.
   
• Check out the property’s current financing
  If the existing mortgage on the home is favourable, it may be possible to take it over from the vendor. It may even be possible to get a vendor take back mortgage, to help close the deal.
   
• Think twice
  Even if a home seems perfect, go back and take a closer, more critical look at it. Visit it on different days and different times of the day. Chat with the neighbours. Look deeper — don’t be distracted by attractive surface details.
   
• Energy Rating
  Some houses and new homes in Canada have an Energy Rating that describes the energy efficiency of the home. An energy-rated home usually has a sticker with the rating on the electrical panel. The energy rating is on a 0 – 100 scale. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient is the home, and the less it costs to operate.
   
• CMHC statistics and analysis
  CMHC has the latest statistical information and analysis of housing trends. Our Market Analysis Centre tracks information for local, provincial and national markets.