With so many beautiful brand new homes to choose from, it can be hard to zero in on the perfect one. You know, the home that best suits all of your needs and feels like ‘yours’ as soon you see it? This may cause you to spend too much time looking at the wrong homes or, worse yet, experiencing buyer’s remorse after you purchase. But, if you prepare a little ahead of time, you can make the buying process easy and stress-free. Consider the following tips to help you find your perfect home.

1. Get Pre-Qualified

The first thing you’ll want to do is have your finances in order – and the best way to do this is to prepare your financial information and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. When you get pre-qualified, a lender will explain your mortgage options so you’ll have an idea of what you can afford before you start looking at homes. This also prevents you from falling for a home that exceeds your price range. 

2. Know Your Priorities

Before you head out, write down what’s most important to you. Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need. Do you need a large yard? Would you prefer a front attached home or a rear detached? This will help you narrow your options. 

Another thing to consider is how you’ll use your home. For example, if you entertain a lot you may want a formal dining room. If you work from home or have school-aged kids, you may benefit from a flex room that can provide additional work and study space. These little evaluations of your needs make a big difference in ensuring your happiness long term. 

3. Keep Track of the Homes You See

Be selective in which homes deserve a visit. With so many options on the market, you’ll want to avoid wasting time by viewing homes that don’t meet your criteria. You should also keep track of what you’ve seen by making notes after each viewing. This way you can compare them all in hopes of finding the best fit. 

4. Take Pictures 

This is an excellent way to really get to know (and remember) a home you like and compare it to others you’ve seen. Snap pictures of the things you loved and things you didn’t. You can then look back at the photos and know for sure what features each home had. Most new home builders will offer interactive online galleries of their homes, however, if you are visiting a resale home, be sure to ask permission first. 

5. Think Long Term 

When you’re looking to purchase, you’re going to need to focus on the long term. This means thinking about your future home needs and how they might change. As your lifestyle evolves, you’re going to want your home to evolve with you. This is the time to think about whether or not you will be needing space for kids, family or new hobbies. 

6. Measure Your Furniture

If you’re not planning on buying new furniture, make sure you take measurements – especially for your couch, dining room table, and bedroom furniture. Measuring your furniture not only ensures the right fit but helps you determine if and how you’ll be able to navigate through any small spaces or hallways. 

7. Visit the Property

If you’re curious about the neighbourhood or how long your commute will be, this is a crucial step. It will give you a clear indication of whether or not the neighbourhood is a suitable fit for you and your family. This tip is especially good for those who are moving into the city from out of town.

If you can, spend some time in the community during various times of day to get an idea of noise levels, traffic and smells. Are you close to train tracks or a major highway? Are there any nearby facilities with unpleasant odours? Do a test run to see how long it takes you to get from the neighbourhood to your work. You’ll be glad you looked into these things ahead of time.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to talk to an area manager about your new home goals and what will fit your lifestyle. Now that you’ve thought about your needs, a good builder will be happy to help you find the perfect new home.

Photo credits: questions, checkmarks, keychain