House Hunting Checklist Guide with
Searching for the right home can feel overwhelming — but the right strategy makes all the difference. walks you through the essential steps to make your house hunt efficient, and successful.
Checklist 1: Before You Start Looking
Before you start house hunting, Create a clear list of what’s must-have, nice-to-have, and deal breakers. Know your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage before serious searching.
Set Your Priorities:
- Number of bedrooms & bathrooms
- Outdoor space / lot size
- Proximity to work, schools, transit
- Layout and age of home
Get Financially Prepared
- Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?
- What’s your price range?
- How much do you have saved for a down payment?
- Have you budgeted for closing costs?
- Do you have emergency savings in place?
Ready to take the next step toward your dream home? Use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to discover what’s comfortably within your reach—and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Having spent a combined 20 years in senior operational management for the world's most
recognizable brand, Coca-Cola and the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, and another 15
years in senior management in a wide variety of industries, I have cetainly got to appreciate
what world class customer / client sevice is all about.
My accounting background, well honed negotiation skills and perseverance trait, picked up
over this period, helped me become a very successful realtor in South Africa, and later in
Canada.
.
My family, consisting of a wife, a son and two daughters, settled in the beautiful town of
Oakville after our arrival in our newly adopted country, from South Africa, at the end of 2002.
As such, I am eager to offer advice on the numerous challenges faced by new immigrants
and first time home buyers in this great country.
As an avid fisherman, I have also leant that it takes a lot of patience and skill, before landing
the big one.
I am really enjoying working with all the fine executive realtors at Realty Executives, in order
to continue to offer my existing and new clients my unparalleled, personalized, world class,
professional sevice. Where you won't just be a statistic!
Designation: B.Com., MBA
Education: B.Com (University of Natal)
MBA (University of South Africa)
Speciality: Residential
Years of Experience: 20
Awards: Outstanding Achievement Award Winner - 2019 & 2023, 100% Club Award Winner - 2020 & 2021
Area Covered: Halton, Peel, Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo & Niagagra
Languages Spoken: Afrikaans, English
Ready to Find a Home That Truly Fits Your Checklist?
Let our Just Listed Finder do the work for you. Discover homes that match your lifestyle, budget, and must-haves—all in one place.
Checklist 2: Interior & Exterior Features to Evaluate Before You Buy
Whether touring in person or virtually, use this checklist to assess condition, layout, and long-term livability.
Interior
Doors & Windows
- Windows: single pane/thermopane
- Door locks/latches work: yes/no
- General window condition: good/moderate/poor
Kitchen
- General size/colours
- Island or prep space: yes/no
- Countertop material & condition
- Pantry/storage space: yes/no
- Sink: single/double
- Appliances included: yes/no
Family/Living Room
- Fireplace: yes/no
- Separate dining room: yes/no
- Living room floor type/condition
- Flooring type & condition
- Wall & ceiling condition (cracks, stains): good/moderate/poor
Bathrooms and Bedrooms
- Number of bedrooms & bathrooms
- Closet space: adequate/limited
- Bathroom ventilation (fan/window): yes/no
- Signs of moisture or damage: yes/no
Exterior
Lot Details
- Lot size/shape
- Landscaping condition: good/moderate/poor
- Driveway: private/shared
- Mature trees, shrubs, etc: yes/no
- Walkways condition & safety: good/moderate/poor
Structure Details
- Number of stories: 1/2/3/4
- Type of home
- Condition of siding & paint: good/moderate/poor
- Parking: uncovered/one paid space/ two paid spaces
- Patio/deck: good/moderate/poor
- Type of foundation: raised well above ground/visible cracks
- Swimming pool: above/below/indoor/outdoor/none
- General pool condition: good/moderate/poor
- General roof condition: good/moderate/poor
- Eaves troughs and downspouts: good/moderate/poor
- Fenced backyard: yes/no
- Fenced front yard: yes/no
Wondering which interior and exterior features are must-haves? Let help you refine your checklist and find the right home—faster and with confidence.
Checklist 3: What to Look for in Home Systems
Use this checklist to spot potential issues and avoid costly surprises—whether touring in person or virtually.
Electrical System
- Condition
- Outlets adequate: yes/no
- Wiring: aluminum/copper wiring
Water Service
- Source: city/well
- Pump age
- Water agreement: yes/no
- Water quality tested for potability: yes/no
Sewage/Septic System
- Type: sewage/septic
- Where’s septic field
- Holding tank & system recently checked: yes/no
Heating & Air Conditioning
- Heating Type: oil/gas/electric/steam/baseboard/heat pump/combination
- AC Type: window/central
Unsure how to prioritize critical home systems during your inspection? can help you identify red flags, refine your checklist, and avoid costly surprises.
Checklist 4: What To Look For In Neighborhood
Location is key when it comes to finding your dream home. The right location supports your lifestyle and long-term value.
Tips
Thoroughly explore the neighborhood by visiting at different times of day to get a true sense of its atmosphere and convenience. Research amenities, schools, transportation, and community events to ensure the location suits your lifestyle.
Stay ahead of the market—sign up for Neighborhood Buzzer to receive the latest listings in your preferred neighborhood.
Location
- Nearby facilities
- Parks, shopping & dining nearby
- Commute & highway access
- Close to work
- Low Crime Rate
- Schools & community centres
- Places of worship
- Fire department
Ready to Buy? Let's Discuss!
Have questions or just curious about the process? I'd love to chat and help you figure out your next step.