Before you begin looking for your new home, it is important that you
consider the needs of all the people it must shelter and what effect their
daily activities will have on your desire for a certain size or location,
both now and in the future.
Community
Rural? Small town? City?
What facilities are available: shopping centers? places
of worship? recreational facilities? hospitals? schools?
Are property taxes comparable to those in other communities?
Are there any future developments planned which you
may not like?
Are the sewage and water systems adequate?
What is the availability and cost of utilities: electricity?
gas? water?
What public services are provided: police? fire protection?
ambulance? garbage collection? mail delivery? snow removal?
Transportation
Is there nearby public transportation available?
Do you mind a long commute to work or to visit friends?
Can you afford to drive and park at your workplace?
Will another car be needed for your spouse to drive
to work, to shop or to take the children to school or other activities?
Are major roads easily accessible?
Neighborhood
Is private and public property maintained to your
satisfaction?
What is the composition of families living nearby:
quiet, mature people? teenagers? potential playmates for children's?
Are their incomes and lifestyles compatible with yours?
Have property values risen, fallen or remained stable
in the recent past?
Are there any known projects on the horizon which
could substantially change the quality of lifestyles or the property
prices in the area?
Do you feel comfortable with the current zoning regulations?
Will they protect property values yet still allow you to use a dwelling
in the way you envision: outdoor basketball hoops and barbecues? storing
your boat? a home-based business? keeping livestock? cutting trees?
high fences? a basement suite? etc
When you walk up and down the streets of the neighborhood,
can you picture yourself living there for several years into the future?
Dwelling
Are you interested in brand new only? a historic,
character house? an already renovated resale? a solid older house
that just needs redecorating? a "fixer-upper" and do major
renovations yourself?
What combination of space do you require? Think not
only about bedrooms, bathrooms and garages but also the areas for
hobby activities and children's play; and storage for clothes, skis,
bicycles, windsurfers, tools, garden equipment, etc.
Is a large, well-equipped kitchen important to you?
how about a fireplace? a large entrance hall? a sundeck? a pool?
Would you prefer a small lawn and low-maintainance
garden or do you enjoy cutting grass and making things grow?
Do you need a dwelling with room to eventually accommodate
more children? elderly parents? in-laws?
Schools
What schooling is available: primary? high school?
adult evening programs? college?
How close are the schools and how do the children
get there?
Are the schools crowded? Is the sports program satisfactory?
Do the students have a high achievement record?
If your family has special educational needs, are
these available?
Transportation
