How to Buy a House and Get House Insurance in Canada

Buying a house is one of the most exciting and stressful experiences you’ll go through. It’s a big commitment financially, requires lots of paperwork, and involves many steps. Once you finally buy your dream home, you’ll want to protect it with house insurance.

Getting the right house insurance gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered for damage and liability. It can prevent financial hardship if something happens to your property. This guide will walk you through the entire process of buying a house and getting house insurance in Canada.

Find a Real Estate Agent

The first step is connecting with a real estate agent who will help you through the home-buying process. A good agent knows the local market, can set up viewings, advise you on offers, and negotiate on your behalf.

Ask friends and family for recommendations of agents they’ve worked with and liked. You want someone responsive, experienced, and who you feel comfortable with. The right agent-client relationship is extremely valuable for first-time home buyers.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before starting your housing search, it’s essential to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and gets the financing ball rolling.

Meet with banks, mortgage brokers, or other lenders to see what you qualify for. They’ll assess your income, assets, liabilities, and credit score to determine the amount you can borrow.

Getting pre-approved also lets you know your price range for house hunting. Make sure to get it in writing from the lender.

Research Neighborhoods and Home Types

With your price range and must-haves in mind, start researching potential neighborhoods and home types. Consider things like:

Commute to work
Proximity to schools
Access to public transit
Safety
Parks and amenities
Type of housing (detached, townhouse, etc)
Yard size
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

Drive around target neighborhoods to get a feel for them. Narrow your preferences down to 2-3 ideal areas.

Start Looking at Houses

Now the fun part begins – looking at houses! Your real estate agent will schedule viewings for houses matching your wish list.

Attend open houses and view properties in your favorite neighborhoods. Take lots of notes and photos at each show. Pay attention to layout, condition, renovations needed, and extras like finished basements.

Narrow down your home search to 2-3 front runners. View them several times at different times of the day. Bring family or a home inspector to help evaluate.

Make an Offer

Found your dream home? It’s time to make an offer! Your agent will draw up an Offer to Purchase for the listing price or less. Outline your conditions like a home inspection and financing clause.

The seller may accept, reject, or counteroffer. Be prepared to negotiate on things like price, closing date, inclusions, and more. If you reach an agreement, you’ll firm up the deal with a deposit.

Conduct a Home Inspection

A professional home inspection is strongly advised before finalizing a purchase. An inspector will examine the property and identify any urgent repairs or issues like a leaky roof, faulty wiring, or HVAC problems.

You can request the seller make repairs, lower the price, or cancel altogether based on the inspection report. If satisfied, you’ll remove the conditions and arrange a closing date.

Secure Home Insurance

Home insurance is required by mortgage lenders to protect the property securing the loan. But it also protects you as the homeowner. Start shopping rates 30-45 days before your closing date.

Standard home insurance covers the dwelling, detached structures, liability, and personal property. Compare premiums and coverage from various providers.

Close the Deal

Congratulations, it’s finally closing day! This means taking legal possession and getting the keys. The closing involves signing a pile of paperwork and bringing your down payment plus closing costs.

Your agent and lender will assist you through this process. Celebrate when you get the keys to your new home!

Make it Yours

Now the fun part – move in and make the house your own. Paint walls, set up furniture, hang art, and decorate until it feels like home. Introduce yourself to neighbors.

Over time, renovate and upgrade the house to suit your style and needs. Build equity and make memories in your new home.

How Much Can I Afford?

Determining your budget is the first step in house hunting. As a rule of thumb, total monthly housing costs (mortgage, insurance, property tax, utilities) should be less than 32% of your gross monthly income.

Mortgage lenders will approve you for 3-5 times your income. Crunching the numbers will give you a price range to stay within.

Getting a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage from a lender is one of the very first steps. Here are some tips for securing a pre-approval:

Check your credit score and report. Take steps to improve it if needed. Lenders look for scores above 680.
Gather your financial statements – income, tax returns, downpayment source, investments, debts.
Research mortgage rates and talk to multiple lenders – banks, brokers, credit unions, etc.
Be ready to pay the application fee and provide documents.
You’ll receive a pre-approval letter stating the amount you’re eligible for.

Having this letter will make your offer more attractive to sellers.

Choosing the Right Mortgage

There are numerous mortgage options out there. Which one is right for you?

Type

Fixed-rate – Interest rate stays the same over the full term.
Variable rate – The interest rate fluctuates along with the prime rate. More risk but a lower initial rate.
Hybrid – Fixed rate for a set period, then converts to variable rate.

Term

6 months – 5 years: Shorter terms usually have lower rates.
5 years: Popular option, balance of rate and term length.
Longer terms of up to 10 years have higher rates but lower payments.

Match the mortgage term to how long you plan to stay in the home. Know your comfort level for rate fluctuations and budget.

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is your guide through the complex home buying journey. Here’s how to find the right one:

Get recommendations from recent buyers you know.
Search online listing sites like Realtor.ca and filter by area.
Look for full-time seasoned agents – experience matters.
They should be local experts on neighbourhoods, pricing, and negotiating.
Personality fit – you want someone you trust and can communicate with easily.
Ask about their track record with past buyer clients.
Make sure they’re available and responsive. You’ll be in close contact.

Interview 2-3 agents before deciding. Many will offer a free initial consultation to see if you click.

Making an Offer to Purchase

Found your dream home? Time to make an offer! Here’s a look at this important step:

Price

Do your research on comparable sales and current value. Don’t overpay.
Decide your initial offer price – could be below list price.

Conditions

Mortgage financing condition
Inspection condition
Sale of your current home
Possession date

Deposit

Typically around 5% of the offer price
Usually held in trust by your real estate lawyer

Inclusions

List what’s included – appliances, lighting fixtures, etc.

Work closely with your agent on the offer terms before submitting to the seller.

Home Inspection Essentials

A home inspection provides an objective assessment of the property’s condition from attic to foundation. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Use a licensed home inspector experienced in your area. Get references from past buyers.
Budget $300-$500 for a standard inspection. Additional tests can be done.
Attend in person – they’ll explain issues on the spot.
The report helps you negotiate repairs, price changes or opting out.
Check structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, insulation, windows, appliances etc.
Prioritize big ticket items – foundation, roof, flooding risk.
Small things can be fixed over time. Focus on major red flags.
Reinspect repairs done by the seller before closing.

Though not mandatory, an inspection gives you information and protects your investment.

Shopping for Home Insurance

Home insurance provides protection for the huge investment that is your home. Here’s how to find the best policy:

Coverage Types

Dwelling coverage – for home structure and attached fixtures
Detached structures like garages and sheds
Personal property coverage – for possessions inside home
Personal liability – if someone is injured on property
Extra coverage like flood and earthquake depending on location

Factors Affecting Premiums

Location of home
Age and condition of home
Reconstruction costs
Amount of personal property coverage
Deductible amount
Protective devices like alarm systems

Tips for Choosing a Policy

Shop around and compare quotes from insurers
Look for discounts – multi-policy, new home, home security
Understand exclusions that apply
Choose appropriate deductibles for your budget
Pick guaranteed replacement cost coverage
Bundle with car insurance for savings

Closing Day

Congratulations, closing day has arrived! Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Final walkthrough – verify house condition and fix any issues
Sign the deed and mortgage documents
Pay your downpayment and closing costs
Get front door keys, garage remotes, alarm codes
Utility transfer – contact providers to switch billing to your name
Change mailing address for bills, subscriptions, etc
Unpack boxes and move into your new home!

Your real estate agent and lender will assist with closing details. Celebrate this milestone moment in your new home.

Budgeting Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

Owning a home comes with costs beyond just the purchase price. Make sure to budget for:

Upfront Costs

Downpayment – at least 5-20% of purchase price
Closing costs – 1-5% of mortgage amount
Inspections – $300 to $500
Appraisal fee – $300 to $500
Land transfer tax
Title fees
Moving expenses

Ongoing Costs

Mortgage payments
Property taxes
Home insurance
Utility bills
Maintenance and incidentals

Future Expenses

Renovations and redecorating
Appliance/system repairs or replacement
Lawn care and snow removal

Leave room in your monthly budget for homeownership costs beyond the mortgage payment alone.

Avoiding Extra Fees and Penalties

When taking out a mortgage, watch out for extra fees and penalties that can cost you. Avoid:

Prepayment Penalties – Charges for paying your mortgage off faster than scheduled. Make sure these don’t apply.

Mortgage Default Insurance – Added for downpayments less than 20%. Adds to your interest costs. Put at least 20% down to avoid it.

Home Appraisal Fee – Can be $300-$500. Shop lenders who cover this or reimburse you.

Mortgage Insurance Premium – Ongoing mortgage insurance costs on high ratio mortgages. Put down 20%+ to avoid.

Preapproval vs Prequalification – Preapprovals are fully underwritten, not just prequalified based on stated information.

Fine Print – Carefully read all terms and disclosures so you know what’s covered. Don’t get surprised by fees at closing time.

Ask lots of questions upfront and read the fine print to avoid extra costs on a mortgage. This saves you big in the long run.

Hidden Closing Costs to Watch For

When budgeting for a home purchase, be aware of these hidden closing costs that sometimes catch buyers off guard:

Land transfer taxes – 1-2% of the purchase price depending on province. Several thousand dollars.
Legal fees – About $1000-$1500 for your real estate lawyer. More for complex transactions.
Title insurance – $200-$300 to protect against issues with legal property ownership.
Home insurance – Pro-rated amount due at closing for first year’s premium.
Property taxes – Portion due at closing if previous taxes weren’t paid up.
Utility transfer fees – $50 or so to transfer utilities like hydro and water into your name.
Moving expenses – $1000+ for movers, truck rentals, packing supplies.
Renovations – Sometimes needed before you move in like new flooring.
GST/HST – Payable on new construction housing in some provinces.

Carefully tally up all closing fees and transaction costs when budgeting. They can add up quickly.

Shopping Around for the Best Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates can vary a lot between lenders. Here are tips for securing the best rate for your situation:

Check published rates from major banks as a baseline.
Get personalized rates from mortgage brokers who deal with multiple lenders.
Ask about promotions and special discounted rates.
Compare both variable and fixed rate options.
Crunch the numbers – focus on the overall interest costs over the full term.
Consider features like prepayment flexibility and portability.
Check with credit unions and smaller boutique lenders as well.
Negotiate for better rates based on the competition.

Taking the time to shop around can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over time.

Common Dealbreakers When Buying a Home

While house hunting, be on the lookout for dealbreakers that may cause you to walk away from a home. Such as:

Major foundation structural issues
Drainage problems leading to flooding
Serious roof damage
Faulty electrical or knob and tube wiring
Big upcoming special assessments
Major infestations of rodents, termites, bugs
Pet urine odors soaked into carpets and flooring
Large upcoming costly repairs needed
More renovations needed than you can handle
Unsafe neighborhoods, high crime rates
Too much road noise or highway proximity
Lot line disputes or encroachments

Though minor issues can be fixed over time, major red flags could be smart dealbreakers during a home purchase. Know when to walk away.

Documents Needed for Your Mortgage Application

Gather these key documents together when applying for a mortgage:

Identification like driver’s license and passport
Income verification – paystubs, W2, tax returns
Downpayment source paperwork like bank statements
Debts and credit report
Property details like the listing if available
Statements showing assets and investments
Land title if you already own property
Divorce, separation, or child support documents if applicable

Having all this paperwork ready from the start will make the mortgage process much smoother. Promptly provide any other documents the lender requests.

Making the Most of Your Downpayment

Saving up for a downpayment takes effort, Especially as home prices rise. Here are tips for making the most of yours:

Size Matters

Put down 20% or more to avoid mortgage insurance premiums.
The larger your downpayment, the lower your mortgage amount and interest costs.

Shop Around

Compare mortgage terms and rates across lenders. A lower rate can save tens of thousands over a mortgage.

Use Programs

First Time Home Buyer Incentive – share equity with the government.
Withdraw from your RRSPs under the Home Buyers Plan.

Gifts

Parents can provide part of your downpayment amount as a gift.
Get it in writing as a gift with no repayment expectations.

Maximize your downpayment dollars through smart shopping, programs and gifts when possible.

Questions to Ask When Viewing a Home

When viewing homes, come armed with questions. Important ones to ask include:

How old is the roof? Has it leaked?
What updates have been made (kitchen, bathrooms, flooring)?
What utilities am I responsible for (water, sewer, garbage)?
Does the basement have water issues? Has it flooded?
When was the HVAC system installed? How old is the water heater?
What’s included (appliances, window treatments, shed)?
Are permits and inspections done for any renovations?
How are the neighbors? Any issues?
Has there been a home inspection? Can I see a copy?
What’s the average cost of utilities (heating, hydro, etc)?

Don’t be shy – ask lots of questions at showings. This helps avoid surprises down the road.

Saving for Closing Costs and Incidentals

Home buying has extra costs at closing time and throughout the process. Be sure to save up for:

Closing Costs

Legal fees
Land transfer taxes
Title fees
Home appraisal fees
Home inspection
Mortgage insurance premium

Incidentals

Moving truck rentals
Movers
Changing locks
Paint and supplies
Cleaning before move-in
New appliances or furniture
Lawn mower, tools, etc for yard

Ongoing

Home repairs and maintenance fund
Furnishings and decor
Yard upkeep and landscaping

Pad your budget with several thousand extra dollars for closing and move-in incidentals when buying a home.

Renovating vs Buying Turnkey

An important decision is whether to buy a home needing renovations or one that’s move-in ready. Consider:

Renovating

Lower upfront cost but invest in upgrades over time
Make the home match your tastes and lifestyle
Older homes often need substantial updates
Unexpected issues can arise, increasing reno costs
Process can be stressful and time-consuming

Turnkey

Higher purchase price for a fully updated home
Move right in without lengthy renovations
Everything is fresh, new and modern
Avoid surprises that come with older homes
Peace of mind knowing major systems and finishes are new

Look at your budget, timeline, taste and DIY skills when weighing these options.

Moving Cost Estimates and Tips

Moving into a new home also means moving expenses. Here’s how to budget for it:

Moving Company

$600 – $1000+ for a local move with professionals

Truck Rental

Budget $100 – $200 a day for a rental truck or van
Add mileage fees if moving out of town

Supplies

$200+ for boxes, tape, protective wrap

Tips to Save

Get free boxes from grocery/liquor stores
Pack items yourself instead of paying movers
Compare truck rental deals and use coupons
Time the move between weekday rush hours
Provide food and drinks to friends helping you

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan wisely and get help.

Setting a Decorating Budget

Once you move in, you’ll want to put your personal decorating touch on the home. Set a budget for:

Paint – $100-300 depending on number of rooms and colors

Flooring – $500-5000+ depending on material: laminate, hardwood, carpeting

Window treatments – $500+ for blinds, curtains, hardware

Furniture – $1000+ per room, prioritize necessities first

Art and decor – $50-500+ for framed art, prints, decorative accessories

Outdoor – $500+ for patio furniture, planters, yard decor

Lighting – $50-500+ for lamps, overhead lighting, switches

Smart upgrades – $200+ for things like Nest thermostat, video doorbell

Pace yourself. Splurge on key impactful elements first, then add over time.

Moving Across Provinces? Know the Logistics

Moving to a new province? Some logistics to handle:

Terminate existing provincial health insurance and get set up in the new province
Transfer vehicle registration, driver’s license and update insurance
Notify bank and update address everywhere
If moving with kids, transfer school records and notify the school district
Cancel old utilities and set up new ones
Update your mailing address for bills, subscriptions, CRA
Be aware of differences in sales taxes
Review legislation – tenancy rights, licenses needed for occupation
Research new provincial taxes like provincial income tax
Determine if moving truck needs specific permits or insurance

It takes coordination but ensures a smooth interprovincial move.

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent should become your trusted partner during the home buying journey. Key questions to ask them include:

How long have you been an agent in this area?
Do you only work with buyers or sellers too?
What’s your typical home selling time?
How will you help me find the right home?
What’s your communication style – email, text, phone?
How many other clients are you currently working with?
What’s your process for writing offers and negotiating?
Do you have lenders, home inspectors and contractors you’d recommend?
What differentiates you from other agents?

Ask lots of questions upfront so you know what to expect working with them.

Moving With Kids? How to Make It Easier

Moving to a new home can be tough on kids who prefer routine and their familiar surroundings. Some tips to make it easier:

Break the news early and positively frame it as an adventure
Have them pack a special “moving bag” with beloved toys, books, blankets
Let them say goodbye in person to friends and teachers
Take lots of photos of their old room and house for memories
Drive by the new home to show them before moving day
Set up their new room first so it’s ready on day one
Unpack their things and let them arrange the room
Meet neighbors with kids for new local playmates
Follow old routines like reading bedtime stories
Explore the new neighborhood together as an outing
Get them involved in activities like sports to meet people

The more you do to prepare kids in advance, the easier the transition will be.

Choosing House Paint Colors

Painting your new home? Some tips for selecting color schemes:

Decide on a style – modern, traditional, rustic, etc.
Determine a color tone – warm, cool, neutral palette.
Use a maximum of 3 colors – one main, one accent, one for trim.
Light colors make smaller rooms feel more spacious.
Greens, blues, grays make good base colors. Yellows and reds accent nicely.
Look at photos in magazines and Pinterest for inspiration.
Get color swatches and paint sample areas on the wall.
Natural light changes over the day – consider that.
Ask the previous owners what colors they used.

Take your time testing out color combinations until you find a pleasing, cohesive scheme.

Packing Tips to Organize Your Move

Packing and moving can be chaotic. Here are tips to stay organized:

Develop a master to-do list breaking down all tasks
Sort items room-by-room to pack (label boxes by room)
Pack one room at a time starting with least used rooms
Use color coded labels to mark priority boxes “Open First”
Use luggage for wardrobe items you need access to
Back up computers and photographs
Create an “Open Me First” box with immediate essentials
Disassemble furniture and label hardware bags
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
Wrap fragile items very carefully
Number and inventory every box

Also rid clutter beforehand so you only move what you need. Planning makes it go smoothly.

Documents to Review Before Offering on a Home

Review these key documents before making an offer on a home:

MLS Listing – Details on house itself like age, renovations, inclusions.

Disclosure – Seller discloses known defects plus items included/excluded.

Title – Shows legal ownership and whether there are liens or easements.

Tax Certificate – Property tax payment status. Check for outstanding amounts.

Survey/Lot Plan – Size and boundaries of the property. Look for encroachments.

Council Minutes – Indicates upcoming projects impacting the area.

Rental Disclosure – If rental, details on tenancies, past issues, income.

Strata Minutes – For condos, documents finances, problems, future repairs.

Review documents carefully to avoid purchasing unknown problems.

Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home

After getting keys for your new home, you’ll need to contact utility companies to set up or transfer service.

Electricity – Contact your electric provider to turn on power in your name.

Natural Gas – Similarly, switch gas service over to your account.

Water – Municipal water may need activating with a quick call.

Internet/Cable – Schedule installation of internet, cable and home phone.

Garbage – Arrange garbage pickup days and bins with the city.

Security – To monitor home, arrange system activation and change codes.

Fuel Oil – If heating with oil, set up an account with a supplier.

Propane – Propane delivery and tank rentals will need coordinating.

Don’t forget to cancel services at your old address as well.

Choosing Where to Live – Things to Consider

Choosing a neighborhood or community is a key decision. Consider:

Distance to your workplace, ideally within 30 mins.
Closeness to amenities you frequent like gyms, stores, parks.
School district if you have or plan to have kids.
Safety and crime rates. Check police reports.
Options for commuting and getting around if you drive less.
Proximity to highways for road trips, airport access.
Distance to family and friends for visiting.
Local community vibe – active? family oriented?
Health and quality of hospitals nearby.
Property taxes, regulations, noise levels, lots sizes etc.
Potential appreciation of the real estate market there.

Weigh what’s most important in where you want to call home.

DIY Home Improvements vs Hiring Out

As a new homeowner, decide whether to take on home improvement projects yourself or hire pros. Consider:

DIY Pros

Saves money on labor
Learn new skills and gain experience
Sense of pride tackling your own projects
Typically smaller scale projects within abilities

DIY Cons

Learning curve using new tools and skills
Easy to make mistakes as an amateur
Projects take longer trying to self-teach
Physical work and safety risks

Hiring Out Pros

Jobs get done much faster
Higher likelihood done properly
Licensed pro experience
Access to tools, materials and skills
Warranties on work

Know your limits. Balance cost savings with quality and time.

Budgeting Annual Home Maintenance Costs

Ongoing home maintenance costs should be built into your annual budget. Typical expenses:

Seasonal Yardwork – Lawncare, landscaping, snow removal, gutter cleaning. $1000+

HVAC – Furnace, AC, duct cleaning. $200 – $500

Plumbing – Unclogging drains, fixing leaks. $100 – $300

Electrical – Replace outlets, breakers, old wiring. $150 – $500

Appliances – Repairs or replacement of fridge, stove, dishwasher etc. $200 – $1000

Cleaning – Deep cleaning carpets, windows, walls. $150 – $300

Pest Control – Ants, termites, mice, wildlife removal. $50 – $500

Handyman Tasks – Hanging art, fixing creaks, patching holes. $100 – $300

Miscellaneous – Any surprise repairs or issues. $500+

Aim to save 1-3% of your home’s value annually for maintenance.

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

A home inspection provides valuable insight into your prospective home’s condition. During the inspection, ask questions such as:

What’s the remaining life expectancy of the roof?
Does the foundation have any cracks or evidence of water issues?
How old is the HVAC system and when might it need replacing?
Is the electrical panel in good working order? Any concerns?
Does the plumbing allow good water pressure and drainage?
Where are weak spots you’d recommend preventative maintenance?
What safety hazards do you see?
Which repairs are highest priority right now?
Are there trouble signs of expensive issues arising down the road?
Do you think there are structural concerns?

Don’t be shy about asking all the questions you need to. The more you know, the better.

How to Lower Home Insurance Costs

Home insurance is required for mortgage holders and smart for all homeowners. Tips to lower insurance costs include:

Shop around, compare quotes from various insurers.
Raise your deductible amount to lower premiums.
Install protective devices like alarm systems and fire extinguishers.
Make necessary repairs – a safer home means lower liability.
Insure your home and auto together with the same provider.
Take advantage of discounts like multi-policy, new home, anti-theft.
Improve credit score – insurers check this as a risk factor.
Review policy annually and adjust coverage as home value changes.
Bundle insurance into mortgage payments for slightly lower rates.

A little effort can save hundreds per year on premium costs.

Setting a Household Budget

Owning a home comes with new expenses to budget for. Be sure to include:

Mortgage payments
Property taxes
Home insurance
Internet and cable
Energy bills – electricity, water, gas
Cell phone plans
Groceries and household essentials
Home maintenance and repairs
Furnishings and decor
Lawn care and snow removal

Account for both monthly fixed costs and variable expenses that fluctuate seasonally. Allocate savings for annual bills like insurance premiums due in lump sums. Budgeting keeps housing costs manageable.

Preparing Your Home for a Move-Out Inspection

When moving out after selling a home, preparation is key for a smooth move-out inspection. Tips include:

Have the home professionally cleaned top to bottom.
Wash walls and baseboards to have a fresh look.
Scrub bathrooms, kitchen and appliances extra thoroughly.
Mow lawn, rake leaves, tidy landscaping.
Clear gutters and ensure drains are open.
Vacuum and shampoo carpets if needed.
Fix any holes, dents and damage you’re responsible for.
Repaint walls if required as per your contract.
Replace any burnt out light bulbs.
Make sure everything works – plumbing, HVAC, appliances.
Remove all possessions and garbage from property.

Take time to prepare the home so the buyers’ walkthrough goes smoothly.

Choosing Neighborhood Amenities

Part of choosing a home is considering amenities close by. Look for:

Outdoors – Parks, trails, playgrounds, sports fields.

Recreation – Pools, gyms, arenas, community centers.

Entertainment – Movie theaters, miniature golf, bowling, arcades.

Shopping/Dining – Malls, big box stores, boutiques, restaurants.

Services – Libraries, doctor/dentist offices, pharmacies, banks.

Education – Quality of schools and daycares.

Culture – Museums, festivals, concerts, live performances.

Transit – Convenient bus routes and access to highways.

Lifestyle – Area suitable for singles, young families, retirees?

Choosing a home with what matters most nearby enhances enjoyment.

Strategizing Storage and Organization

Moving into a new home means maximizing storage and getting organized. Ideas include:

Use closet organizers to double hanging space
Install shelves in closets, garage and basement for storage
Clear out clutter beforehand so you only move what you need
Get furniture like beds, sofas and desks with built-in storage
Use stackable storage bins to contain items in garage and attic
Decide on a filing system for bills, records and important papers
Set up designated spaces for coats, shoes, accessories near entryways
Organize kitchen cabinets categorically – glasses together, pans together
Add hooks, racks and baskets for organizing Bathroom essentials
Shed unnecessary possessions through selling, donating or recycling

Advanced planning makes it easier to stay organized in a new living space.

Packing Essentials for Move-In Day

For your big move-in day, keep these must-have items handy and easily accessible:

Toolbox – hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, measuring tape
Hardware – screws, nails, hangers, hooks, tacks
Work gloves and safety glasses
Flashlight
Basic cleaning supplies
Paper towels, garbage bags
Kitchen supplies – can opener, dishes, cups, utensils
Sheets and blankets for beds
Toilet paper and paper towels
First day food essentials
Change of clothes and basic toiletries for freshening up

Having these items ready to go makes unpacking and setting up your new home much smoother.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo

If purchasing a condo, key questions for the seller or property manager include:

What percentage of units are owner-occupied vs rented out?
How much are the monthly condo fees? What’s included?
Are amenities like gym, pool, recreation rooms shared?
Who handles snow removal, garbage collection, landscaping?
How old is the roof? When are repairs and replacements scheduled?
What rules and restrictions apply – pets, rentals, noise?
How much are property taxes?
Are there upcoming assessments for major repairs?
Can I review minutes from Annual General Meetings?
Is the condo corporation financially stable?

Do your due diligence to know what you’re getting into living in a complex.

Conclusion

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in life. While extremely exciting, it also involves a lot of stress and planning. Doing your homework on the front end makes for a smoother process.

Determine your budget, find a trusted real estate agent, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and start viewing homes. Make an offer contingent on a home inspection to avoid surprises.

Once your offer is accepted, proceed through the closing process with help from your agent and lender. Open new utilities, move in your belongings, and make the house your own. Protect your investment with proper home insurance.

Settling into home ownership is a journey over time. As you decorate, maintain and upgrade the home, take pride in the place you’ve worked so hard for. Enjoy making memories there for years to come.