Searching for a house can be an exciting time. For many people, this is the start of something new, whether it’s a solo venture, a change for a couple, or your first family house. With its diversity, Toronto can be the perfect location for all of these people, offering something for everyone.
However, what should you consider during your property search? There are multiple aspects that you might think about, but this post has outlined three of the main factors that will affect the success of your search.
Prioritize Your Preferred Location
There are numerous neighborhoods in Toronto, with each one offering a unique diversity. They have their own amenities, character, and potential, so researching them to decide your preferred neighborhood will benefit you long-term. Most neighbourhoods have everything you could ever need within a 15-minute walk, from entertainment and shops to schools and workplaces.
Once you have selected your ideal location, you might also want to consider the possibility of future developments. Densification is part of the City of Toronto’s official plans, meaning some neighborhoods will be upgraded in the future. If you buy a property in one of the neighborhoods heading for densification, its value will likely increase as the development goes ahead. This is worth thinking about as it will affect your preferred location’s potential.
However, the best way to get a feel of the location is to live there for a short time before finalizing your purchase. You can do this by staying in short term furnished apartment rentals when visiting Toronto to view houses. An apartment like this can be used as a sort of hub as you go to open houses, make appointments with estate agents, and even as you begin preparations for moving. This can be a long process, but some rentals are available for more than 30 days.
Analyse the Home’s Condition Inside and Out
Assessing the property’s condition can protect you from unanticipated repair costs. This will also help you make an informed decision regarding the house, but you must know what you should inspect to deem it a worthwhile purchase. The exterior of the house is where you should begin; this will disclose a good deal of information about the property’s overall state. You should look at the roof’s condition, the guttering and downspouts, and keep an eye out for water damage. This will be essential with the weather that Toronto can experience.
Similarly, you should appraise the interior of the house for signs of structural issues. Problems like cracks in the ceiling and walls, doors that won’t close completely, and uneven floors could be linked to the house’s foundations.
Thankfully, most homes are put on the market with an inspection report. This is especially useful for aspects you cannot see, whether that’s insulation or the internal structure. Common issues that are listed on these reports could include roofing problems, such as missing shingles or poor ventilation, low water pressure, deteriorated brickwork, and cracks in the foundations.
Decide What Features are Must-Haves
Although this is subjective, and each person will have their own must-haves, you should remember these when viewing properties. This helps you to give more depth to your home search in Toronto. There will be some features that you would like but do not need, like chimneys and bay windows, while others will be non-negotiables. These must-have features might include a certain number of bathrooms, a detached garage, or large backyard.
Knowing the features that you are looking for in an apartment or house will help your property search move a lot quicker. It will also give you a clearer insight into your required budget, meaning you can see what properties are within your reach and which ones you should forget about.
When you are searching from a new house in the Toronto area, you should know what you are looking for. The three aspects mentioned in this post will assist you in your property search, which could reduce how stressful this situation is.
