Questions Every Buyer Should Ask about Toronto Real Estate

When you're in the market for a home, it seems as if there are millions of questions to ask--and no doubt plenty more.   As buyers we become so wrapped up in the physical aspects of the house--the rooms, amenities and structure--that we give less attention to quiet issues which may strongly impact our ability to enjoy a home.

What kinds of factors will affect your quality of life ?  The obvious ones are the first to come to mind: the distance to work, the special programs available through the local school system and neighbourhood shopping and recreation.  Those factors while important, may not touch the issues specific to your situation

Public safety is a major issue, as is proximity to police stations, emergency medical services and firehouses. Community groups--including homeowner associations, PTAs and a neighbourhood crime-watch--are also important.

No one wants to hassle with parking issues, so what is the parking situation? What if you have guests? Take note of any parking restrictions, which could result in a visitor's car--or your car--being towed from the front of the house.

Is the area impacted by local conservation efforts? For example, what about water supplies in the summer? Electric power?

If you're moving to a new community, you might look forward to such recreational facilities as clubhouses, playgrounds, exercise rooms and other offerings.  Before you sign on the dotted line, check out the "fine print" details.  Is use free or is there an additional cost? Are there plans to build a playground or  another amenity next to the property you want to purchase? Do you regard a nearby playground as a convenience or noisy problem? What about that nice stand of trees behing the lot where you want to build--is that land being preserved or will a zoning change allow it to become a gas station next year?

Another issue concerns property taxes: you know what the owners pay today, but is that what you will pay tomorrow? Property tax rules may allow special benefits whcih may not apply to you.

Here's one more: that nice condo or homeowner association you are thinking about.  You know about their assessments now, but are they planning a "special" assessment soon? If yes, you could be out big money( or you could make an offer which is discounted to reflect the cost of the special assessment)

Are there more questions to ask? You bet. Let's talk at your convenience about the ones that most concern you.

Remember, I am always available to answer any questions you may have about your real estate needs.  I would very much like to be your personal "Go to Realtor" for real estate in Allenby, Chaplin Estates, North Toronto, and Davisville Village. Drop into my website www.torontohomequest.com or contact me directly at 416-505-4144 and email cheryl@cheryllefton.com