Genworth Canada House Hunting Checklist

You may have been saving up for a long time and have the final sum ready to buy your own house. This is one of the best feelings in the world, I know this - after all, it felt like such a relief when my family finally bought our first home (and we still remember that day fondly).

But, there are so many things to consider when you buy a house. For instance, did you know that it is important to hire the services of surveyors and other experts? This may cost you more money than just doing everything on your own - but these professionals will ensure that no surprise expenses crop up during or after the purchase.

They can also save you from making mistakes or overlooking problematic issues with the house. You will need to hire them even if you are an expert - after all, there is no harm in getting extra sets of eyes on any potential deal.

It goes without saying that property is a big step for anybody, so it makes sense to be prepared before taking this decision. This is where a house hunting checklist can come in very useful.

To help you get started, here are some things that you should do when considering buying a home for the first time.

1. You need to make sure that your finances are in order before you even walk into the housing market. Make sure that you have looked at the market trends and the prices in your area. If you need to increase your deposit, consider all possibilities like taking a second job or borrowing money from friends and family.

2. When it comes to buying property (especially for the first time), do not act in haste - there are things that you must never overlook when house hunting, such as ...

3. Hire a home inspector–these professionals will check everything from the roof to the foundations, and they will give you a detailed report of their findings. You can never be too safe when it comes to buying a house, so make sure that you do not hire a cheap firm because they may end up overlooking something very serious (which can be very costly).

4. Find out how quickly the house market is changing in your area - you do not want to go into this with any preconceived notions, but knowing about the fluctuations can help you time your entry into the market perfectly.

5. Check on the neighbours- find out whether they are friendly and helpful, or whether they are hard to work with. Knowing the truth will help you move into a neighbourhood that is pleasant and hassle-free.
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6. Finally, do not be afraid to ask for help from anyone who has successfully bought a property before - good advice is priceless!.