No matter what type of house you’re looking for, Mississauga is a great place to buy. Here, you get all the perks of living in a major metropolitan area without the price tag of Toronto real estate.
That being said, a home is a big investment. So, you’ll want to make sure you ask the right real estate questions before placing an offer. In this blog, I’ve got tips on just that!
Here are a handful of questions to ask before buying a house in Mississauga.
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Questions to Ask When Viewing a House
There’s a lot of essential information that you can gather from checking out a home online or touring it in person. However, neither of these processes will give you the full story.
If you are interested in a particular home, there are a handful of important questions you’ll want to ask the current homeowner and their Realtor. These insights will help you decide if the house is right for you and whether or not you want to make an offer.
How Old is the House?
Age is a big factor when determining a home’s overall condition. However, this doesn’t mean that the older a home is, the poorer its condition. Depending on the specific year a home was built, the construction style, architecture, and materials could be completely different compared to a property built just a few years earlier or later.
How Long Have You Lived in the Home?
While not always relevant, it’s a good idea to ask how long the current homeowner has lived there. For example, if they’re looking to sell after only one or two years, there could be something about the home they really don’t like – something that you yourself may not like.
Have You Done Any Major Repairs or Renovations?
Along with the home’s age, you’ll also want to know how the property has been upgraded or modified over the years. Not only will this be relevant to the seller’s asking price, but it will also make you aware of any features that may require repairs or maintenance in the future.
What’s Included in the Sale?
While it’s generally assumed that some fixtures and appliances will be included with the home, such as the dishwasher or washer and dryer, it’s always a good idea to ask for confirmation. This will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to place an offer and negotiate.
What Are Your Average Utility Costs
As a homeowner, you’ll have a few ongoing expenses beyond just your mortgage. Utilities are one of these. Therefore, you’ll want to account for them while creating your offer. Asking the current homeowner for a breakdown of average utility costs can be a helpful way to build your budget.
Planning on buying a home soon? Explore these related blogs for more helpful advice!
- Should You Buy a Home Before Getting Married?
- Should I Buy a Bigger House For My Kids?
- The Most Affordable Neighbourhoods in Toronto
Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a House
When it comes to questions to ask when buying a house, not all of them will be aimed at the seller and their Realtor. Some questions will be for you!
Yes, you want to make sure you’re making a good purchase, but you also want to know that the home will be a good fit for you. The last thing you want to do is buy a house, only to find out it doesn’t meet your needs in a few years time.
Here are a few questions to consider when hunting for a home in Mississauga.
What Do I Need From a Home?
This one may seem obvious, but it’s important. You don’t want to start looking for houses without a concrete idea of what you actually need from one. Take the time to create a list of must-haves in terms of space, features, and anything else you can think of.
What Can I Afford to Spend on a House?
Before you place an offer on a home, you’ll want to know that you can afford it. Having an informed budget is crucial as a buyer. One easy way to find out how much you can afford to spend on a house is by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This is when a lender analyzes your finances and decides what kind of home loan you qualify for.
What Kind of Neighbourhood Do I Want to Live In?
When it comes to finding the right home for you, it’s about more than just the house itself. Mississauga is home to a wide range of neighbourhoods, each one with something unique to offer. So, as you approach the market, it’s important to think about what type of community you’d like to live in.
For instance, are you looking to be close to public transit? Is proximity to schools a priority? The more you narrow down your needs, the easier it will be to find the right home for you.
Will My Family Keep Growing?
Are you planning on welcoming your first child? Having more children? Will some of your children be off to university in the next few years? Although we can’t always know what the future will hold, it’s a good idea to use foresight when it comes to choosing the right home for you.
Your Mississauga Agent
If you’re considering buying a home in Mississauga (or anywhere else for that matter), it’s a great idea to work with a local real estate agent. The home-buying process can quickly become complex, so having an expert on your side who understands your needs and can guide you through the intricacies of a purchase is crucial. That’s where I come in.
Working with buyers and sellers across the West GTA, I know the Mississauga market like the back of my hand. Whether you’re looking to be in a good school district, want to be close to nature or near plenty of amenities, or you want a quick commute, I can help you find the right home for your next chapter.
Ready to find the perfect home? I’m here to help! Reach me at 416.837.9676 or steph@stephaniek.ca to start your journey.
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