Creating your home wish list

Before you begin your home search, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you want – and your preferred location. Here are some questions you should think about to help you find the answers you will need to provide.

For each question, determine what you MUST have and what would be NICE TO HAVE. For example, perhaps you must have 3 bedrooms, but 4 bedrooms would be nice.

• Do you want your new home to be urban, suburban or rural?

• How close to your workplace must it be?

• What are your choice neighbourhoods?

• Do your children attend a specific school you’d like to stay close to?

• Do you want an older home or a newer, modern home?

• Do you have a preference in house type (bungalow, townhome, condo, detached 2-story, etc)

• How many bedrooms do you want? How many do you need?

• How many bathrooms do you want? How many do you need?

• Main living areas: Do you want a traditional look or an open concept look?

• How many stories do you want?

• Do you know how many square feet you need?

• Do you care about the height of the ceilings?

• Do you want a newer, modern kitchen? Eat-in Kitchen? Open to other living areas? Walk-in Pantry?

• Do you want a fireplace? If so, what type?

• Do you want/need an in-law suite?

• Do you need a lot of storage space?

• Parking: Do you need a single, or double garage or are you happy with a laneway?

• Are any of the following wants or needs? Office, laundry room, pool, sprinkler system, hot tub, patio, deck or porch.

• How long do you intend to live in this home?