Download RBC Mobile App EnglishContact Us Enrol Sign In MENU Homes HOME BUYING 101: 8 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home Before you purchase your next home, it's important to have all of the facts about the property you're buying. Understanding all the details — big and small — will help you make decisions that can save you money, cut down on surprises and make the whole home buying process so much easier. Looking to buy a home? If you’re in the thick of open houses and online photo galleries, chances are you’re already knee-deep in questions about what the next move is. Likely you have a million questions running through your head: “What’s the right neighbourhood? Should I buy move-in-ready, or can I handle a fixer-upper? Will I regret buying a house with a pool?” To help you get the facts you need to make an informed decision, here are eight questions to ask yourself before you make your next move: 1. Do I really need a home inspection? This is an easy one: Yes, you do. An inspection will give you insight into the quality of the home you’re buying — and if anything does need repair, you will go into the purchase with your eyes open. If you get into a bidding war over a home you absolutely adore, you may feel pressured to make a clean offer, leaving out the inspection clause. But there are significant risks to doing this. Without an inspection, you won’t have a trained eye to review such critical aspects of the home such as the foundation, roof, wiring, heating/cooling systems, presence of moisture, and other things that could end up costing you thousands of dollars if there is a problem. 2. What issues should I look out for in an older home? Older properties come with a great deal of charm, character and many unique qualities you typically don’t find with newer builds. They can also come with some additional unknowns, given they were built before current codes and safety measures were put in place. For example, older homes should be checked for such materials as lead paint and asbestos, and wiring should be examined to ensure it’s up-to-date. Over decades of various home owners, older properties may have also been subject to creative DIY solutions to a range of issues. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to get a second inspection done, to ensure nothing is missed. And if any structural questions or red flags are raised, it’s smart to bring in an engineer before you close the sale. 3. Are there fewer problems with new builds? Often, floor plans, square footage and finishes may end up being different in the final version of your home versus the model suite. That’s why it’s important that your new home contract is reviewed in detail — by both yourself and a lawyer — so that you have a chance to approve substitutions, exclusions and inclusions before your home is built. It’s also important that you inspect your new home at least twice — once before you take possession, where you write down any and all deficiencies the builder must fix — and one about a month before your new home warranty expires so that you can identify any problems that arise through the changing seasons. When purchasing a new home, getting everything in writing and being meticulous in your documentation is a must. 4. Is it a bad decision to buy a home with a pool? There is a school of thought that a pool will detract from a home’s value, and when you’re ready to move, it could be more difficult to find a buyer. There is another perspective that a pool adds aesthetic value and would appeal to those buyers who just have to have a pool. The key here is to buy from your heart and not worry too much about resale values… if you think you will use and enjoy the pool and are prepared to properly maintain it, then go for it. 5. Does this condo come with storage and parking? No. Assuming your new condo comes with a parking spot and storage locker is a common (and expensive) oversight many new condo-owners make. When reviewing the purchase contract, make sure you go through it thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t. And if it comes with parking and storage, go take a look at the spots so that you know where they are located and how big they are. You don’t want to be stuck with a compact corner spot your car won’t fit into. 6. Can this tree in the yard cause me problems? Large, mature trees can add charm, shade, and natural beauty to the property. But if they are planted too close to your home’s foundation, they could cause troubles down the road — such as falling on your or a neighbour’s home. Some trees can also cause substantial structural damage as the roots grow. When you do your home inspection, talk to the inspector about the tree roots and find out how close they are to the foundation and what his/her perspective is on future growth. Bring in an arborist if there is any uncertainty. 7. Should I measure the driveway? If you have two SUVs and are looking to buy in an urban environment, then yes, it may be a good idea to measure the driveway, garage and / or parking pad to make sure your vehicles will fit. Many homeowners have discovered too late that they can’t park on their own property. 8. What new developments planned for the area? Will that peaceful park turn into condos in a couple of years? Will that large home down the street be turned into 10 townhouses? Finding out what the plans are for your immediate area can help you feel comfortable that you will enjoy living in your new community for years to come. GET ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME OWNERSHIP: Buying a home can be a complicated process, one that is filled with excitement, anxiety and seemingly endless questions. An RBC Mortgage Specialist can help guide you through your home buying journey, and introduce you to the experts you need to make a smart, informed purchase. More from the Home Buying 101 Series: Previous HOME BUYING 101: 7 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a Condo Read Next HOME BUYING 101: Should I Buy An Existing Home or a New-Build? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Read Next Next Diane Amato is a Toronto-based freelance writer who loves to talk about finances, travel and technology. Things our lawyers want you to know By Diane Amato August 31, 2021 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share by Email Topics Budgeting Buying a Home Personal Finance Real Estate Renovation Selling a Home Most Recent House Prices Spiked Further Across Canada, Despite More Sellers Canada's Housing Markets Strong in October Despite Surge in Downtown Condo Supply Smart Home Trends Read This Next Moving 101: Ten tips to help you get your first move right October 22, 2021 Moving 101: The Freedom of Downsizing October 22, 2021 What happens on closing day? The inside scoop revealed. October 18, 2021 Oops! Things You Didn’t Think About Before Moving Day! October 6, 2021 Royal Bank of Canada Website, © 1995-2021 Privacy & Security|Legal|Accessibility Top