First Time Buyer Advice

When you're shopping around for a home, it's easy to let your emotions take over. This quick list of dos and don'ts can help you keep a level head while you look, and ensure you don't end up with buyer's remorse down the road.

DO a Drive-By. Check out the exterior, the street and the neighbourhood. Stop by during the day and in the evening to get a sense of what it's like at different times. Look for good shops and restaurants in the area, and if it's a place where you feel comfortable walking around. Check the walkability scores of different neighbourhoods.

DO Come Prepared. Show up to showings and open houses with a list of questions. Take plenty of photos. Sketch out layouts. Measure spaces to ensure your furniture will fit. Write down all the things you love, items that require repair or renovation, elements you're not so keen on. When you're looking at multiple homes, it's easy to get confused so having detailed notes of each visit will help you keep track.

DO Look at Homes in Your Price Range. It's easy to fall in love with a place you can't afford. Don't bother looking at the ones that are priced out of reach - you'll only be setting yourself up for disappointment, and make yourself feel like you're settling for less than you deserve.

DON'T Forget to Take Stock of Storage. There's nothing like moving into a new place and realizing there's nowhere to stow your stuff. Look at closets, basement storage, attic space and outdoor sheds. Where will you keep your vacuum cleaner? Your spare linens and towels? Sports equipment and off-season clothes?

DON'T Sweat the Small Stuff. That avocado green fridge and the shag carpet in the basement can both be replaced at a relatively low cost. The bright orange bedrooom can easily be repainted. Watch out for high-cost fixes instead, like outdated electrical or bathrooms that require a complete overhaul.

DO Check the Water Pressure. Run the taps and flush the toilets (separately and at the same time). See if the showerhead blasts water or just gives off an unsatisfying drizzle. Don't forget to check how fast the water heats up. If it's really slow, there could be issues with the water heater.

DON'T Forget to Check the Exterior. Look for damp or buckled spots on the siding, peeling paint, loose shingles, cracks in the foundation. A quick look can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

DON'T Overestimate Your DIY Capabilities. Fixing that leaky faucet? Sure, almost anyone can do that. But renovating the kitchen? Ripping out drywall? Putting in new plumbing? Before you make an offer on a house that's not move-in ready, make sure you're not getting too enthusiastic about what you can actually accomplish. If you think you can do it yourself, then realize you need outside help, you'll be facing some serious costs you didn't factor into the purchase price.

DON'T be Afraid to Move On. Many buyers get stuck on the idea that another home as perfect as this one will never come along. That's simply not true. New listings come on the market every day, so never assume that there's nothing as good as - or better - out there. Be patient.