 |
- Visit your financial institution and ask
to be pre-approved for a mortgage - this
will help you know how much you can afford
and consequently focus your search for your
"new" home;
- Make a list of "wants" versus
"needs";
- Visit display suites, compare asking prices
and selling prices, and check out local
amenities and the neighbourhood;
- Do not be lured by a beautiful brochure,
a comfortable floor plan, or the new finishing.
All of these appeal to buyers' emotions.
Despite public perception, a new home is
not automatically guaranteed to be well
built nor perfect. It is essential to research
the builder.
- Some important questions to ask:
- How long has the builder been in business?
- What are the names and addresses of
the homes and projects the builder has
constructed?
- Ask for references &/or home owners
who have purchased from this builder:
- Are they happy with their home?
- Have they experienced any problems?
- Would they buy another home from
this builder?
- What is the builder's after sale
service policy?
- What responsibility will the builder
assume for the subcontractor?
- Does the builder belong to a professional
organization such as the Canadian
Home Builders' Association or the
Urban Development Institute?
- Does the builder and the trades
in their employ have any formal
training?
- Is the builder registered with
the New Home Warranty Program?
- Is the home enrolled with the
New Home Warranty Program?
- Inquire as to the availability and applicability
of the New Home Warranty Program;
- Hire a lawyer (or Notary) to represent
your interest and to review all documents
on your behalf
|
|