Buying a home is more than just picking a place to live—it’s one of the biggest financial and personal decisions you’ll ever make. The journey can be exciting, but without proper planning, you could settle for a house that doesn’t truly fit your needs—or worse, face some expensive surprises after you move in.
When you’re on the hunt for a house, follow these steps.
Partner with a Powerhouse: Find a Real Estate Agent Who Truly Works for You
First things first: hire a local real estate agent as soon as possible. You’ll appreciate expert real estate services from the very beginning of your search. They will make sure that you start your house hunt on the right foot and that you don’t settle for the wrong property.
A great real estate agent does more than just find you listings! Local agents know neighbourhood trends, pricing, and hidden pitfalls. They can flag potential issues, navigate paperwork, and help you avoid costly mistakes like skipping a home inspection. They can accompany you on tours and open houses, helping you spot benefits and problems that could easily be overlooked.
A real estate agent’s experience can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. You don’t want to house hunt without one by your side.
Get Your Financial Ducks in a Row: Secure Your Mortgage First
Knowing what you can afford before house hunting saves you from heartbreak and strengthens your position as a buyer. Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously, especially in competitive markets.
Boost your mortgage approval odds by maintaining a strong credit score, reducing debt, and ensuring a stable income. A larger down payment can also improve your loan terms. Gather financial documents like tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements to streamline the process. Pre-approval sets you up to act fast when you find the right home.
Location, Location, Location: Choose the Right Neighborhood for Your Needs
Your home’s location matters just as much as the house itself. Take time to explore the neighbourhood and ask yourself whether it fits your lifestyle.
Do you have young kids? You’ll want to check out schools, daycares, and parks in the area. Look at the roads. Are they full of busy, fast-moving traffic? Or is the driving safe and slow? Are the sidewalks big enough for strollers and wagons? Are there sidewalks at all? These factors will impact your day-to-day life as a parent.
Do you need to commute to work? Then, you’ll want to consider how a housing location affects that commute. Does it make it faster or shorter? Do you need to drive, or can you take public transit? Is remote work available at your workplace?
When you’re on the hunt for a house, don’t just think about the property. Think about location, location, location!
Don’t Get Blindsided—A Home Inspection is a Must!
A home may look perfect, but hidden problems can cost thousands down the road. A professional inspection can uncover issues like faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, or structural concerns. An all-clear from a home inspector doesn’t necessarily mean there are no problems with the house—it only means that there are no visible problems during their walkthrough.
Some problems are trickier to find, like clogs in the main sewer line or missing shingles on the roof. An inspector is not going to look deep into your plumbing system or climb on top of your roof. However, if you want to be absolutely sure that no major repairs are waiting for you after closing a sale, you can hire specialists like plumbers, roofers and HVAC repair experts to run their own inspections.
If an inspection reveals major issues, you have options. If the problem is too big, you can walk away from the table. If it’s manageable, your real estate agent will have your back. They can negotiate on your behalf to get the seller to make repairs or to lower the price of the home so that you can manage the repairs on your own dime!
Budget Like a Boss: Plan for More Than Just the Mortgage
Many buyers focus only on the mortgage, but homeownership comes with additional costs. Closing costs, which typically range from 2-5% of the home’s purchase price, can be a significant expense. These costs include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, legal fees, and prepaid property taxes. Factoring these costs into your budget ensures you’re financially prepared when it’s time to close the deal.
Beyond closing costs, there are major expenses to consider once you have the keys:
- Moving Expenses: Professional movers, rental trucks, and packing supplies will add up quickly.
- Repairs and Renovations: Even move-in-ready homes often need updates like new flooring, painting, or appliances.
- Emergency Funds: Unexpected repairs (like a broken water heater) can hit when you least expect it. Be prepared for the worst-case scenarios.
Your Dream Home Awaits—Make Every Step Count!
Buying a home isn’t just a purchase—it’s a long-term investment in your future. Rushing the process or cutting corners can lead to costly regrets. But by following these key steps—working with an experienced agent, securing pre-approval, researching neighborhoods, conducting thorough inspections, and budgeting beyond the mortgage—you’ll set yourself up for success.
A little extra preparation now means more confidence, fewer surprises, and a home you’ll love for years to come. Happy house hunting!
