What To Look For When Buying A Home

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If you're in the market for a home and you live in Canada or plan on moving there, there are a few things to look for before making your final choice. Consider these points before you become the owner of a residential real estate in Canada.

One of the first things to consider when searching for homes for sale in Canada is the heating and energy systems. Remember that the heating bill will be a major expense in your home, so check to see how old the home's furnace is. Ask the previous owners or the real estate agent which type of energy is used to provide heating for the home.


Electricity and oil are among the most common energy sources in Canada for heating homes, but if you choose a home with a baseboard heater, your electricity bill could be particularly pricey. If you're purchasing an older home, make sure the electrical panel has been renovated. The electrical service should be 200 amp, as anything lower may not be enough to meet your family's electrical power needs.

Next, check out the deck or porch of the home. Make sure the wood is not soft or rotting, as this could indicate that wood in other parts of the house. Check to see that the wooden floors throughout the home are in good condition, and have them refinished before you and your family move into the home.

This helps you to avoid the hassle of having to move furniture around to have the floors refinished once you and your loved ones have settled into the home. It's also important to make sure the deck is spacious enough for your friends and family to enjoy time outdoors when you're hosting a family dinner or barbecue.

Check out the plumbing in the home as well. Even if you're moving in a house that is a few decades old, the plumbing should be updated. Copper pipes and soldering are best; lead pipes are a sign that the plumbing hasn't been renovated in a while. This means the repairs will likely become your responsibility in the future.

Finally, check to make sure there is ample parking space at your home or around your residence. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation confirms this notion by revealing that older homes in areas like Toronto and Montreal don't have driveways or garages. If you fall in love with a home with no parking area, you'll have to obtain a parking permit from the city. There is also the option of becoming familiar with the regulations of the city if you want to build your own garage or driveway.

These are just a few of the important things to consider when you want to purchase a Canadian home. Be sure to talk with your real estate agent agent to come up with a list of things you've got to have in your new home, as well as features that you would prefer. Schedule a thorough home inspection before moving in to ensure that you're completely satisfied with your new residence. Happy house hunting!

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Jim Atkins is a Toronto blogger and suggests that anyone looking to move into the area cotnact SuttonQuantum.com for great real estate service to make buying your new home easy.