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Home Buyer Readiness & Preferences Checklist

Home Ownership & Living Situation

  • Is this your first home purchase?

  • Are you currently renting?

  • If yes, have you signed a lease?

  • When does the lease term end?

  • Do you currently own a home?

  • Will you need to sell it to use the proceeds for your next purchase?

Financing & Deposit

  • Have you been pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage?

  • Can you access funds quickly to cover a deposit once you’re ready to make an offer?

  • If you are a non-resident of Canada, do you have sufficient funds in a Canadian bank account to cover your down payment?

  • In whose name(s) will you be purchasing the property?

Lifestyle Considerations

Do you require easy access to any of the following?

  • Public transportation

  • Schools

  • Shopping

Condominium Considerations (if applicable)

  • Would a “no pets allowed” policy be an issue?

  • Do you require designated parking?

  • Is a storage locker necessary?

Potential Deal Breakers

Would any of the following discourage you from purchasing a property?

  • Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)

  • Vermiculite insulation (may contain asbestos)

  • Aluminum wiring

  • Swimming pool

  • Backing onto a train track or major road

Close proximity to:

  • Hydro towers

  • Wind turbines

  • Ongoing or upcoming construction/development

  • Commercial or industrial zones

  • Additions or renovations done without proper permits

  • A secondary suite (apartment) that may not meet local zoning or safety regulations

  • Hot water or baseboard electric heating

  • A heritage-designated property

  • Evidence of pets previously living in the home

Psychological Stigmas

Would any of the following affect your willingness to purchase a property?

  • Known criminal activity (e.g., marijuana grow-op)

  • Natural death on the property

  • Suicide or murder on or in the property

  • Alleged paranormal activity

  • Neighbourhood factors (e.g., group home, daycare center, etc.)

Must-Haves or Deal-Breakers

Are there any specific must-haves or must-avoids that would influence your decision to buy?

PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1USPKP65jkw-drvr62CnJqNHcJ9WXx47y/view?usp=drive_link

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