So, you’ve finally decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy your own home…
how exciting! You are ready to fulfill your dream of having a place to call your own.
Buying a home is one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions you'll ever make. Prepare by learning about the process of homebuying and the responsibilities of homeownership. The differences between renting and buying a home are vast, and there's a long list of pros and cons for both options. And, remember — there is no one best decision for everyone. Before moving forward, though, here are some questions to consider.
- Do you have the necessary financial management skills?
- How financially stable are you?
- Are you ready to take on the responsibility of all the costs involved in homeownership, including mortgage payments, repairs, and maintenance?
- Are you able to devote the time required for home maintenance?
There are pros and cons for both renting and buying. Everyone must make his or her own best decision. Buying a home is not for everyone. Take a moment to think through the advantages and disadvantages of both owning and renting. Use this worksheet to guide you.
Read over your completed worksheet and then think carefully. Are the advantages of owning your home really bigger than the advantages of renting? Are the disadvantages of owning your own home really smaller than the disadvantages of renting?
If homeownership is for you, you must be both financially and emotionally ready. Buying a home isn't only about money. You should listen to your heart… and take an honest look at your lifestyle.
How can you know if you are financially ready to become a homeowner?
This step guides you through some simple calculations to figure out your current financial situation, and the maximum home price that you should consider.
How Much are You Spending Now?
Calculate Your Household Expenses
Start figuring out your financial readiness by evaluating your present householdbudget. How much are you spending each month? Knowing exactly how much, will give you a better idea about whether you can afford to become a homeowner.
The Current Household Budget worksheet helps you take a realistic look at your current monthly expenses.
Or, you may also use the CMHC Household Budget Calculator to complete your current household budget now.
Calculate Your Monthly Debt Payments
Do you know how much debt you are carrying? You need this information to figure out whether you are financially ready for homeownership. If you decide to buy a home, mortgage lenders will ask for this information.
Use the form below to determine your current monthly debt payments. Fill in all the figures that apply to you, and then press the Calculate button. When you have finished, print the form. If you cannot print, write down the total on a sheet of paper.
Calculate Your Total Monthly Expenses
Your total monthly expenses are your household expenses plus your debt payments. To calculate your monthly expenses, add the total from the Current Household Budget as Homeowner to the total from Monthly Debt Payments form, using the form below.
| Household expenses (Total from Current Household Budget) | Debt Payments (Total from Monthly Debt Payments form) | TOTAL |
How Much Can You Afford?
Before you begin shopping for a home, it’s important to know how much you can afford to spend on homeownership. You will want to plan ahead for the various expenses related to homeownership. In addition to purchasing the home, other significant expenses will include heating, property taxes, home maintenance and renovation as required. Two simple rules can help you figure out how much you can realistically pay for a home. You must understand these rules to understand if you will be able to get a mortgage.
Affordability Rule 1
The first rule is that your monthly housing costs shouldn't be more than 32% of yourgross monthly income. Housing costs include your monthly mortgage payments (principal and interest), property taxes and heating expenses. This is known as PITH for short — Principal, Interest, Taxes and Heating.
If you are thinking of buying a condominium or leasehold tenure
For a condominium, PITH also includes half of the monthly condominium fees.
For leasehold tenure, PITH also includes the entire annual site lease.
For leasehold tenure, PITH also includes the entire annual site lease.
Lenders add up your housing costs and figure out what percentage they are of yourgross monthly income. This figure is called your Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio. To be considered for a mortgage, your GDS must be 32% or less of your gross household monthly income.
Affordability Rule 2
The second rule is that your entire monthly debt load should not be more than 40% of your gross monthly income. Your entire monthly debt load includes your housing costs (PITH) plus all your other debt payments (car loans or leases, credit card payments, lines of credit payments, etc.). You have calculated these on the Monthly Debt Payments form. This figure is called your Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio.
Fill in the tables below to determine your GDS and TDS ratios.
Your Maximum House Price
The maximum home price that you can realistically afford depends on a number of factors. The most important factors are your household gross monthly income, yourdown payment and the mortgage interest rate. For many people, the hardest part of buying a home — especially their first one — is saving the necessary down payment.
Calculate Your Maximum House Price
Use the Mortgage Affordability Calculator below to figure out the maximum home price you can afford, the maximum mortgage amount you can borrow, and your monthly mortgage payments (including principal and interest).
- Interest is compounded semi-annually not in advance. The interest rate is fixed for the term of the mortgage. The interest rate is usually renegotiated at the end of the term of the mortgage.
- Minimum down payment may vary.
- These calculations are approximate. They do not account for the payment of CMHC Insurance Premiums, applicable sales taxes, closing costs, or other fees that may be required.
CMHC Mortgage Calculator is for general illustrative purposes only. The amounts it projects are based upon assumptions and estimates made according to generally accepted principles for mortgages in Canada. CMHC cannot guarantee the projections. Actual payment amount must be obtained from your lender. Neither CMHC nor any of its advisors shall have any liability for the accuracy of this information.
Mortgage Loan Insurance
Mortgage loan insurance helps protects lenders against mortgage default, and enables consumers to purchase homes with a minimum down payment of 5% — with interest rates comparable to those with a 20% down payment.
The CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance premium is calculated as a percentage of the loan and is based on the size of your down payment. The higher the percentage of the total house price/value that you borrow, the higher percentage you will pay in insurance premiums. The cost for Mortgage Loan Insurance premiums is usually offset by the savings you get from lower interest rates.
| Financing Required |
Premium % of Loan
|
| Up to and including 65% |
0.50
|
| Up to and including 75% |
0.65
|
| Up to and including 80% |
1.00
|
| Up to and including 85% |
1.75
|
| Up to and including 90% |
2.00
|
| Up to and including 95% Traditional Down Payment Non-traditional Down Payment |
2.75
2.90
|
| Extended Amortization Surcharges Add 0.20% for every 5 years of amortization beyond the 25 year mortgage amortization period. Note: The amortization cannot exceed 30 years for mortgage loan-to-value ratios > 80%. | |
| * Premiums in Ontario and Quebec are subject to provincial sales tax. The provincial sales tax cannot be added to the loan amount. | |
Do Your Calculations Look Encouraging?
What is your current financial situation? After doing the calculations, do you feel fairly confident about beginning the homebuying process? You’re ready to proceed with homeownership.
Do Your Calculations Look Discouraging?
You may need to step back and make some improvements. Did your calculations show that you might have trouble meeting monthly debt payment? If that’s the case, you may find it difficult to get approved for a mortgage. Here are some things you can do to improve your situation:
- Pay off some loans first.
- Save for a larger down payment.
- Take another look at your current household budget to see where you can spend less. The money you save can go towards a larger down payment.
- Lower your home price — remember that your first home is not necessarily your dream home.
Here are some more helpful strategies:
- Meet with a credit counsellor. He (or she) can help you figure out how to minimize your debts.
- Buy your home through a rent-to-own program. These are sometimes provided by the builder or a non-profit sponsor.
- Find out about programs through which you can help build your own home.
- Ask the housing department of your municipality if any special programs exist.
What are Your Next Steps?
Get a Copy of Your Credit Report
Before approving a mortgage, lenders will want to see how well you have paid your debts and bills in the past. To do this, they consider your credit history (credit report) from a credit bureau. This tells them about your financial past and how you have used credit.
Before looking for a mortgage lender, get a copy of your own credit history. There are two main credit-reporting agencies: Equifax Canada Inc. and TransUnion of Canada. You can contact either one of them to get a copy of your credit report. There is often a fee for this service.
Once you receive your credit report, examine it to make sure the information is complete and accurate.
If you have no credit history
If you have no credit history, it is important to start building one by, for example, applying for a standard credit card with good interest rates and terms, making small purchases and paying them as soon as the bill comes in.
If you have a poor credit history
If you have poor credit, lenders might not be able to give you a mortgage loan. You will need to re-establish a good credit history by making debt payments regularly and on time. Most unfavourable credit information (including bankruptcy) drops off your credit file after seven years.
Consider getting some credit counselling if you have a history of poor credit or talk to your lender to discuss options.
Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval
It’s a very good idea to get a pre-approved mortgage before you start shopping. Many realtors will ask if you’ve been approved. A lender will look at your finances and figure the amount of mortgage you can afford. Then the lender will give you a written confirmation, or certificate, for a fixed interest rate. This confirmation will be good for a specific period of time. A pre-approved mortgage is not a guarantee of being approved for the mortgage loan.
Even if you haven’t found the home you want to buy, having a pre-approved mortgage amount will help keep a good price range in mind.
Bring these with you the first time you meet with a lender:
- Your personal information, including identification such as your driver's license
- Details on your job, including confirmation of salary in the form of a letter from your employer
- All your sources of income
- Information and details on all bank accounts, loans and other debts
- Proof of financial assets
- Source and amount of down payment and deposit
- Proof of source of funds to cover the closing costs (these are usually between 1.5% and 4% of the purchase price)
Make Your Mortgage Work for You
Your lender or broker will offer you several choices to help find you the mortgage that best matches your needs. Here are some of the most common.
Amortization Period
Amortization refers to the length of time you choose to pay off your mortgage. Mortgages typically come in 25 or 30-year amortization periods. However, they can be as short as 15 years. Usually, the longer the amortization, the smaller the monthly payments. However, the longer the amortization, the higher the interest costs. Total interest costs can be reduced by making additional (lump sum) payments when possible.
Payment Schedule
You have the option of repaying your mortgage every month, twice a month, every two weeks or every week. You can also choose to accelerate your payments. This usually means one extra monthly payment per year.
Interest Rate Type
You will have to choose between “fixed”, “variable” or “protected (or capped) variable”. A fixed rate will not change for the term of the mortgage. This type carries a slightly higher rate but provides the peace of mind associated with knowing that interest costs will remain the same.
With a variable rate, the interest rate you pay will fluctuate with the rate of the market. Usually, this will not modify the overall amount of your mortgage payment, but rather change the portion of your monthly payment that goes towards interest costs or paying your mortgage (principal repayment). If interest rates go down, you end up repaying your mortgage faster. If they go up, more of the payment will go towards the interest and less towards repaying the mortgage. This option means you may have to be prepared to accept some risk and uncertainty.
A protected (or capped) variable rate is a mortgage with a variable interest rate that has a maximum rate determined in advance. Even if the market rate goes above the determined maximum rate, you will only have to pay up to that maximum.
Use the Mortgage Payment Calculator to find how much and how often your payment will be. Compare options and find one that's right for you.
CMHC Mortgage Calculator is for general illustrative purposes only. The amounts it projects are based upon assumptions and estimates made according to generally accepted principles for mortgages in Canada. CMHC cannot guarantee the projections. Actual payment amount must be obtained from your lender. Neither CMHC nor any of its advisors shall have any liability for the accuracy of this information.
Mortgage Term
The term of a mortgage is the length of time for which options are chosen and agreed upon, such as the interest rate. It can be as little as six months or as long as five years or more. When the term is up, you have the ability to renegotiate your mortgage at the interest rate of that time and choose the same or different options.
“Open” or “Closed” Mortgage
An open mortgage allows you to pay off your mortgage in part or in full at any time without any penalties. You may also choose, at any time, to renegotiate the mortgage. This option provides more flexibility but comes with a higher interest rate. An open mortgage can be a good choice if you plan to sell your home in the near future or to make large additional payments.
A closed mortgage usually carries a lower interest rate but doesn’t offer the flexibility of an open mortgage. However, most lenders allow homeowners to make additional payments of a determined maximum amount without penalty. Typically, most people will select a closed mortgage.
igure Out the Up-front Costs
There are many up-front costs when you buy a home. Early planning will help make sure things go smoothly.
Down Payment
A down payment is the part of the home price that does not come from the mortgage loan. The down payment comes from your own money. You can buy your home with a minimum down payment of 5%, if you have mortgage loan insurance from CMHC. You need a down payment of at least 20% for a conventional mortgage.
Deposit
The deposit is paid when you make an Offer to Purchase to show that you are a serious buyer. The deposit will form part of your down payment with the remainder owing at time of closing. If for some reason you back out of the deal without having covered yourself with purchase conditions, such as financing, home inspection, etc., your deposit may not be refundable and you may be sued for damages. The size of the deposit varies. Your realtor or lawyer / notary can help you decide on the amount.
Appraisal Fee
Your mortgage lender may ask you to pay for a recognized appraisal in order to complete a mortgage loan. An appraisal is an estimate of the value of the home. The cost is usually between $250 and $350 and must be paid when you contract for those services.
Having an independent appraisal done on a property before you make an offer is a good idea. It will tell you what the property is worth and help ensure that you are not paying too much.
The appraisal should include:
- Assessment of the property's physical and functional characteristics
- Analysis of recent comparable sales
- Assessment of current market conditions affecting the property
Ask your realtor or other member of your team to help you find an appraiser.
Mortgage Loan Insurance Premium
If you make less than a 20% down payment, you have a high-ratio mortgage. With a high-ratio mortgage your lender will need mortgage loan insurance. Mortgage loan insurance lets you buy a home with a minimum down payment of 5%.
Most Canadian lending institutions require mortgage loan insurance because it protects the lender. If the borrower defaults (fails to pay) on the mortgage, the lender is paid back by the insurer. You pay a premium for mortgage loan insurance. Your lender will add the mortgage loan insurance premium to your monthly payments, or ask you to pay it in full upon closing.
Mortgage Broker’s Fee
You may have decided to use a mortgage broker. The job of the mortgage broker is to find you a lender with the terms and rates that will best suit you.
Home Inspection Fee
CMHC recommends that you make a home inspection a condition of your Offer to Purchase. A home inspection is done by a qualified home inspector to provide you with information on the condition of the home. It generally costs about $500, depending on the age, size and complexity of the house and the condition that it is in. For example, it may be more costly to inspect a large, older, home, or one in relatively poor condition or that has many pre-existing problems or concerns.
Survey or Certificate of Location Cost
The mortgage lender may ask for an up-to-date survey or certificate of location. If the seller has a survey, but it is more than five years old, it will probably need to be updated. You should ask the seller to provide an updated survey, especially if there has been a new addition, deck or fence built close to the property line. If the seller does not have one, or does not agree to get one, you may have to pay for it yourself.
Remember, you must have permission from the property owner before hiring a surveyor to go onto the property. Ask your realtor to help co-ordinate this with the owner. A survey or certificate of location can cost $1,000 to $2,000.
Title Insurance
Your lender, lawyer, or notary may suggest that you get title insurance. This will cover loss caused by defects of title to the property.
Land Registration Fees
Land Registration fees are sometimes called Land Transfer Tax, Deed Registration Fee, Tariff or Property Purchases Tax. In some provinces and territories, you may have to pay this provincial or municipal charge when you close the sale. The cost is a percentage of the property’s purchase price. Check on the internet or with your lawyer (or notary) or other team member to find out about the current rates. These fees can cost a few thousand dollars.
Water Tests
If the home has a well, you will want to have the quality of the water tested to ensure that the water supply is adequate and the water is drinkable. You can negotiate these costs with the vendor and list them in your Offer to Purchase.
Septic Tank
If the house has a septic tank, it should be professionally checked to make sure it is in good working order. You may negotiate the cost with the vendor and list it in yourOffer to Purchase.
Estoppel Certificate Fee (does not apply in Quebec)
This applies if you are buying a condominium, or strata unit, and could cost up to $100. Also called a Status Certificate it outlines a condominium corporation’s financial and legal state.
Prepaid Property Taxes and/or Utility Bills
Property taxes are charged by the municipality where the home is located. They are based on the value of the home. The seller may have already paid property tax or other expenses that apply to the time after the house passes into your hands. You need to pay back the seller for taxes and other costs (including items like filling the oil tank).
Property Insurance
The mortgage lender requires you to have property insurance because your home is security for the mortgage. Property insurance covers the cost of replacing your home and its contents in case of loss. Property insurance must be in place onclosing day.
Legal Fees
Legal fees and related costs must be paid on closing day. The minimum cost is $500 (plus GST/HST). In addition, your lawyer or notary will charge you direct costs to check on the legal status of the property.
Other Costs
Depending on your situation, you may have some other initial expenses to consider:
- Moving expenses
Whether you’ll be hiring a moving company, or renting a truck and asking friends for help, there are likely to be moving expenses. - Renovations or repairs
Can renovations, or repairs, be delayed, or are some necessary to do immediately? - Condominium Fees
Do you have to make the initial payment for these monthly fees? - Service connection fees
Telephone, gas, electricity, cable TV, satellite TV, Internet, and so on, may charge service connection fees. Some utilities may ask you to pay a deposit. - Appliances
Does your new home come with appliances? Do you already have your own? - Gardening equipment
Will you need to buy gardening equipment, the first summer in your new home? - Snow-clearing equipment
Will you need to buy snow-clearing equipment, the first winter in your new home? - Window treatments
Do blinds, or curtains come with the house? - Decorating materials
Do you want to re-paint or apply wallpaper? Do the floors need to be refinished or re-carpeted? Do you have all the tools you need for redecorating? - Hand tools
Do you have the basic hand tools you’ll need for your new home? - Dehumidifier
Will you need a dehumidifier to control moisture levels?
Once you have a good idea about your finances, you’ll need to think clearly about the home you’d like to buy.
Your Needs — Now and in the Future
Try to buy a home that meets most of your needs for the next 5 to 10 years, or find a home that can grow and change with your needs.
Here are some things to consider.
Size
How many bedrooms do you need?
How many bathrooms do you need?
Do you need space for a home office?
What kind of parking facilities do you need? For how many cars?
How many bedrooms do you need?
How many bathrooms do you need?
Do you need space for a home office?
What kind of parking facilities do you need? For how many cars?
Special features
Do you want air conditioning? If so, what type?
Do you want storage or hobby space?
Is a fireplace or a swimming pool high on your list?
Do you have family members with special needs?
Do you want special features to save energy, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact?
Do you want air conditioning? If so, what type?
Do you want storage or hobby space?
Is a fireplace or a swimming pool high on your list?
Do you have family members with special needs?
Do you want special features to save energy, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact?
Lifestyles and stages
No matter what type of housing you choose, you must have a clear idea of your needs today, as well as your possible future needs. These are some examples of questions homebuyers might ask:
Do I plan to have children?
Do I have teenagers who will be moving away soon?
Am I close to retirement?
Will I need a home that can accommodate different stages of life?
Do I have an older relative who might come to live with me?
No matter what type of housing you choose, you must have a clear idea of your needs today, as well as your possible future needs. These are some examples of questions homebuyers might ask:
Do I plan to have children?
Do I have teenagers who will be moving away soon?
Am I close to retirement?
Will I need a home that can accommodate different stages of life?
Do I have an older relative who might come to live with me?
The CMHC worksheet Home Features Checklist can help you think about what you need today, and what you may need in the future. Complete the worksheet and print it.
FlexHousing™ is a housing concept that incorporates, at the design and construction stage, the ability to make future changes easily and with minimum expense, to meet the evolving needs of its occupants.
What Location Should You Choose?
Location is a critical factor. A home with everything you need, in the wrong location, is probably not the right home for you. Here are some things to consider about location.
- Do you want to live in a city, a town or in the countryside?
- How easy will it be to get to where you work? How much will the commuting cost?
- Where will your children go to school? How will they get there?
- Do you need a safe walking area, or recreational facility, such as a park, nearby?
- How close would you like to be to family and friends?
Download a copy of the Your Next Move: Choosing a Neighbourhood with Sustainable Features fact sheet.
What is a Sustainable Neighbourhood?
A sustainable neighbourhood meets your needs, while protecting the environment. Homes in a sustainable neighbourhood are located near shops, schools, recreation, work and other daily destinations. This helps reduce driving costs and lets residents enjoy the health benefits of walking and cycling. Land and services, like roads, are used efficiently. Sustainable neighbourhoods also feature a choice of homes that are affordable.
In your search for a sustainable neighbourhood, here are some questions to ask:
- Easy transportation
- Are stores, schools, recreation facilities, restaurants, and health services within walking or cycling distance? Will your children need to take a bus to school? Can they walk to the park? Can you do most of your shopping without a car?
- Are there nearby bus stops and cycling lanes? How long is the bus ride to work, or school? Can you safely bike?
- House size and features
- Are the homes compact with shared walls to reduce heating costs?
- Are homes reasonably sized with lots requiring less upkeep?
- Are there different dwelling types (such as single-detached, semi-detached, townhouse and apartments) in the neighbourhood?
- Are the lots modestly sized? Roadways narrow? Driveways/parking areas small? Do natural drain ways lead to streams and storm water ponds or park lands? Is there native vegetation and streams with woodland edges?
- “Look and feel”
- Do the buildings have a friendly face to the street? Are the community centres, shops and meeting places welcoming?
- Are there trees lining the street? Do you find the homes interesting to look at? Do the building sizes feel comfortable to you? Are the roads easy to walk along or cross?
- Safety
- Do the homes have “eyes on the street”? (In other words, are there people around who might watch out for you? Is there somewhere to go in an emergency?)
- Is there adequate street lighting?
- Are there safe places for children to play?
- Are the streets safe for cyclists and pedestrians?
- Is traffic slow moving and light?
Use the CMHC worksheet What’s Important to You to figure out the things that are important in your neighbourhood.
Do You Want a New Home or a Previously-Owned Home?
A new home is one that has just been built – no one else has lived in it yet. You might buy a new home from a contractor who has built it, or you might hire a contractor to build it for you. A previously-owned home (often called a resale) has already been lived in. Here are some characteristics of each type of home.
New Home
- Up-to-date
- A new home has up-to-date design that might reflect the latest trends, materials and features.
- Choices
- You may be able to choose certain features such as style of siding, flooring, cabinets, plumbing and electrical fixtures.
- You may have to pay extra if you want to add certain features, such as a fireplace, trees and sod, or a paved driveway. Make sure you know exactly what's included in the price of your home.
- Costs
- Taxes such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) (or, in certain provinces, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)) apply to a new home. However, you may qualify for a rebate of part of the GST or HST on homes that cost less than $450,000. For more information about the GST New Housing Rebate program, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
- A new home will have lower maintenance costs because everything is new, and many items are covered by a warranty. You should set aside money every year for future maintenance costs.
- Warranties
- A warranty may be provided by the builder of the home. Be sure to check all the conditions of the warranty. It can be very important if a major system such as plumbing, or heating, breaks down.
- New Home Warranty programs are generally provided by provincial and territorial governments. There are also private new home warranty programs. In some provinces a warranty may be provided by the builder of the home. Check with your realtor or lawyer/notary to find out what the new home warranty program in your province or territory covers.
- Neighbourhood amenities
- schools, shopping malls and other services, may not be completed for years.
Building Your Own Home
Some people prefer the challenge and flexibility of building their own home. On one hand, you make all the decisions about size, design, location, quality of material, level of energy-efficiency and so on. On the other hand, expect to invest lots of time and energy.
Resale Home
- When the home already exists, you can see what you are buying. Since the neighbourhood is established, you can see how easy it is to access services such as schools, shopping malls, libraries, etc.
- Landscaping is usually done and fencing installed. Previously owned homes may have extras like fireplaces or finished basements or swimming pools.
- You don't have to pay the GST/HST unless the house has been renovated substantially, and then the taxes are applied as if it were a new house.
- You may need to redecorate, renovate or do major repairs such as replacing the roof, windows and doors.
What Type of Home Should You Buy?
What types of homes will you be visiting with the idea of buying? Do you see yourself living in a detached single-family home? Or, perhaps a townhouse? Maybe, a duplex?
Single-family Detached
A single-family detached home is one dwelling unit. It stands alone, and sits on its own lot. This often gives the family a greater degree of privacy.
Single-family Semi-detached
A semi-detached home is a single-family home that is joined on one side to another home. It can offer many of the advantages of a single-family detached home. It is often less expensive to buy and maintain.
Duplex
A duplex is a building containing two single-family homes, located one above the other. Sometimes, the owner lives in one unit and rents the other.
Row House (Townhouse)
Row houses (also called townhouses) are several similar single-family homes, side-by-side, joined by common walls. They can be freehold or condominiums. They offer less privacy than a single-family detached home, although each has a separate outdoor space. These homes can cost less to buy and maintain, even though some are large, luxury units.
Stacked Townhouse
Stacked townhouses are usually two-storey homes. Two two-story homes are stacked one on top of the other. The buildings are usually attached in groups of four or more. Each unit has direct access from the outside.
Link or Carriage Home
A link, or carriage home, is joined by a garage or carport. The garage or carport gives access to the front and back yards. Builders sometimes join basement walls so that link houses appear to be single-family homes on small lots. These houses can be less expensive than single-family detached homes.
Manufactured Home
A manufactured home is a factory-built, single-family home. It is transported to a chosen location, and placed onto a foundation.
Modular Home
A modular home is also a factory-built, single-family home. The home is typically shipped to a location in two, or more, sections (or modules).
Mobile Home
Mobile homes, like manufactured or modular homes, are built in factories, and then taken to the place where they will be occupied. While these homes are usually placed in one location and left there permanently, they do retain the ability to be moved.
Apartment
A self-contained unit in part of a building consisting of a room or set of rooms including kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Forms of Ownership
People who do not rent their home, own it. There are two forms of ownership.
Freehold
Freehold means that one person (or two, such as joint ownership by spouses) owns the land and house outright. There is no space co-owned or co-managed with owners of other units.
Freehold owners can do what they want with their property — up to a point. They must obey municipal bylaws, subdivision agreements, building codes and federal and provincial laws, such as those protecting the environment.
Detached and semi-detached homes, duplexes and townhouses are usually owned freehold.
Condominium
Condominium ownership means you own the unit you live in and share ownership rights for the common space of the building. Common space includes areas such as corridors, the grounds around the building, and facilities such as a swimming pool and recreation rooms. Condominium owners together control the common areas through an owners’ association. The association makes decisions about using and maintaining the common space.
Condominium ownership is ownership of a unit, usually in a highrise but can also be a townhouse or in a lowrise.
What Professionals Should You Call On?
Even if this isn’t your first homebuying experience, you’ll want to get help from a team of professionals. Having the help of professionals will give you experienced and knowledgeable people for reliable information and answers to your questions. These are the people who can help you:
- Realtor
- Lenders or mortgage broker
- Lawyer or notary
- Insurance broker
- Home inspector
- Appraiser
- Land surveyor
- Builder or contractor
You will be doing a lot of interviewing to establish your team. Use this handy CMHC worksheet to help you keep track of the people you interview and the ones you finally choose.
The next sections describe each professional role.
The Realtor
Your realtor's job is to:
- Help you find the ideal home
- Write an Offer of Purchase
- Negotiate to help you get the best possible deal
- Give you important information about the community
- Help you arrange a home inspection
Finding a Realtor
When looking for a realtor, don’t be afraid to ask questions — especially about possible service charges. Normally, the seller pays a commission to the agent. But, some realtors charge buyers a fee for their services. Use the CMHC worksheet Checklist for Evaluating Realtors to help you.
If you would like to know more about a realtor's ethical obligations, go to the Canadian Real Estate Association's website at www.crea.ca, or call your local real estate association.
The Lender or Mortgage Broker
Many different institutions lend money for mortgages — banks, trust companies, credit unions, caisses populaires (in Quebec), pension funds, insurance companies, and finance companies. Different institutions offer different terms and options — shop around!
Mortgage brokers don't work for any specific lending institution. Their role is to find the lender with the terms and rates that are best for the buyer.
Finding a Lender or Mortgage Broker
- Ask around. Your realtor, another professional, family members, or friends may give you helpful suggestions.
- Look in the Yellow Pages™ under “Banks,” “Credit Unions” or “Trust Companies” for a lender and under “Mortgage Brokers” for a broker.
- Contact the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals at 1-888-442-4625, or visit the Association’s website at www.caamp.org.
The Lawyer/Notary
Having a lawyer/notary involved in the process will help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. You need a lawyer (or a notary in Quebec) to perform these tasks:
- Protect your legal interests by making sure the property you want to buy does not have any building or statutory liens, charges, or work or clean-up orders
- Review all contracts before you sign them, especially the Offer (or Agreement)to Purchase.
Finding a Lawyer
Law associations can refer you to lawyers who specialize in real estate law. In Quebec, contact the Chambre des notaires du Québec for the names of notaries specializing in real estate law.
Remember that a lawyer/notary should:
- Be a licensed full-time lawyer/notary
- Live/work in the area
- Understand real estate laws, regulations and restrictions
- Have realistic and acceptable fees
- Be able and willing to explain things in language you can easily understand
- Be experienced with condominiums, if that’s what you are buying
Lawyer/notary fees depend on the complexity of the transaction and the lawyer’s expertise.
Shop around for rates when choosing your lawyer/notary. Use the CMHC worksheet Checklist for Selecting a Lawyer/Notary to guide you.
The Insurance Broker
An insurance broker can help you with your property insurance and mortgage life insurance.
Lenders insist on property insurance because your property is their security for your loan. Property insurance covers the replacement cost of your home, so the size of your premium depends on the value of the property.
Your lender may also suggest that you buy mortgage life insurance. Mortgage life insurance gives coverage for your family, if you die before your mortgage is paid off. Your lender may offer this type of insurance. In this case, the lender adds the premium to your regular mortgage payments. However, you may want to compare rates offered by an insurance broker and by your lender.
The Home Inspector
Whether you are buying a resale home, or a new home, consider having it inspected by a knowledgeable and professional home inspector.
The home inspector’s role is to inform you about the property’s condition. The home inspector will tell you if something is not working properly, needs to be changed, or is unsafe. He or she will also tell you if repairs are needed, and maybe even where there were problems in the past.
A home inspection is a visual inspection. It should include a visual assessment of at least the following:
- Foundation
- Doors and windows
- Roof and exterior walls
- Attics
- Plumbing and electrical systems (where visible)
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Ceilings, walls and floors
- Insulation (where visible)
- Ventilation
- Septic tanks, wells or sewer lines (if inspector is qualified)
- Any other buildings such as a detached garage
- The lot, including drainage away from buildings, slopes and natural vegetation
- Overall opinion of structural integrity of the buildings
- Common areas (in the case of a condominium/strata or co-operative)
Finding a Home Inspector
It’s important to hire a knowledgeable, experienced and competent home inspector. In most areas of Canada, there are no licensing or certification requirements for home inspectors. Anyone can say that they are a home inspector without having taken any courses, passed tests or even inspected houses. So look for a home inspector who belongs to a provincial or industry association holds an accreditation that demonstrates training and experience, provides inspection reports, carries insurance, provides references and has strong experience with the type of home to be inspected.
While CMHC does not recommend any individual home inspector or association, CMHC supports national standards of competency for home inspectors such as the home inspection industry's voluntary and independent National Certification Program.
Home inspector fees are generally in the $500 range, depending on the size and condition of the home. Use the CMHC worksheet Home Inspection Checklist to review your home inspection report.
The Appraiser
Before you make an offer, an independent appraisal can tell you what the property is worth. This will help ensure that you are not paying too much. In order to complete a mortgage loan, your lender may ask for a recognized appraisal.
The appraisal should include:
- Unbiased assessment of the property's physical and functional characteristics
- Analysis of recent comparable sales
- Assessment of current market conditions affecting the property
Finding an Appraiser
Ask your realtor to help you find an appraiser.
The Land Surveyor
If the seller does not have a Survey or Certificate of Location, you will probably need to get one for your mortgage application. If the Survey in the seller's possession is older than five years, it needs to be updated.
Remember that you must have permission from the property owner before hiring a surveyor to go onto the property. Ask your realtor to help co-ordinate this with the owner.
Finding a Land Surveyor
Search the web or Yellow Pages™ or ask your realtor to help you find a land surveyor.
The Builder/Contractor
If you are buying a newly constructed home, you will have to hire a builder or contractor. If you are buying a resale house that needs renovations, you may also require a builder or contractor.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a builder or contractor:
- Ask for references. Talk to other customers about the builder's performance.
- Check with the New Home Warranty program in the area (if applicable).
- Visit other housing developments that the company has built.
- Ask builders or contractors if they are members of a local homebuilders' association. Ask them for their provincial license number.
If you are having a custom home built, remember that:
- You may want to hire an architect to design the house, and supervise construction.
- Builders of custom homes usually work on either a fixed-price or a cost-plus basis. Authorize any changes to your contract by writing your name or initials beside the change.
Make sure your contract with the builder or contractor is very specific about construction details. You can even require that the brand names or model number of finishes be specified. If you agree to a change in the contract, write your initials next to the change.
Starting Your Search
Here are some ways to begin looking for your new home:
- Word-of-mouth
Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a new home. Surprising things sometimes happen. For example, you might hear about a home that is just becoming available on the market. - Newspapers and real estate magazines
Check the new homes section in daily newspapers. Look for the free real estate magazines available at newsstands, convenience stores and other outlets. These publications are free and give pictures and short descriptions of homes for sale. - The Internet
Check out real estate websites, such as realtor.ca. These websites give information and pictures of a wide range of properties. Most sites let you search by location, price, number of bedrooms, and other features. - “For Sale” signs
Drive, bike or walk around a neighbourhood that interests you and look for “For Sale” signs. This is a good way to find homes that are being sold by the owner and are not listed with an agent. - Visit new development sites
If you are looking for a newly built home, you can see available models and get information from builders. - Work with a realtor
For most buyers, a realtor is key to finding the right home.
Useful Tips for Your Search
- Keep records
Whether you have a realtor or are looking by yourself, visit lots of homes before choosing one. Some things to compare are the home’s energy rating, utility costs, property taxes and major repairs. These will affect your monthly housing expenses. You can ask to see copies of utility and other bills. Use the CMHC Home Hunting Comparison Worksheet to make sure you get all the information you need to compare homes. - Check out the property’s current financing
If the existing mortgage on the home is favourable, it may be possible to take it over from the vendor. It may even be possible to get a vendor take backmortgage, to help close the deal. - Think twice
Even if a home seems perfect, go back and take a closer, more critical look at it. Visit it on different days and different times of the day. Chat with the neighbours. Look deeper — don’t be distracted by attractive surface details. - Energy Rating
Some houses and most new homes in Canada have an Energy Rating that describes the energy efficiency of the home. An energy-rated home usually has a sticker with the rating on the electrical panel. The energy rating is on a 0 – 100 scale. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient is the home, and the less it costs to operate. - CMHC statistics and analysis
CMHC has the latest statistical information and analysis of housing trends. Our Market Analysis Centre tracks information for local, provincial and national markets.
Making an Offer to Purchase
After you have found the home you want to buy, you need to give the vendor anOffer to Purchase (sometimes called an Agreement of Purchase and Sale). It is very helpful to work with a realtor (and/or a lawyer/notary) to prepare your offer. TheOffer to Purchase is a legal document and should be carefully prepared.
These items are typically included:
- Names
Your legal name, the name of the vendor and the legal civic address of the property. - Price
The price you are offering to pay. - Things included
Any items in or around the home that you think are included in the sale should be specifically stated in your offer. Some examples might be window coverings and appliances. - Amount of your deposit
- The closing day
The closing day is the date you take possession of the home. It is usually 30 – 60 days after the date of agreement. But, it can be 90 days, or even longer. - Request for a current land survey of the property.
- Date the offer expires
After this date the offer becomes null and void — that means it’s no longer valid. - Other conditions
Other conditions may include a satisfactory home inspection report, a property appraisal, and lender approval of mortgage financing. This means that the contract will become final only when the conditions are met.
What Happens After You Make an Offer to Purchase?
Imagine that your realtor has helped you prepare an Offer to Purchase. This offer includes all the details of the sale. To be extra cautious (since you know an Offer to Purchase is legally binding) ask your lawyer to look at it before showing it to the vendor. The realtor presents the offer to the vendor. What can you expect to happen next? There are three possible responses.
- Response 1
The vendor accepts your offer. The deal is concluded and you move on to the next steps in the buying process. - Response 2
The vendor makes a counter-offer. The counter-offer might ask for a higher price, or different terms. You can sign the offer back to the vendor, offering a higher price than your original offer, but lower than the vendor’s counter-offer. If the vender accepts this counter-offer, the deal is concluded. - Response 3
The vendor makes a counter-offer, asking for a higher price or different terms. If a counter-offer is returned to you at a higher price, ensure that you know exactly how much you can afford before you start negotiating. You don’t want to get caught up in the heat of the moment with costs you can’t afford. You reject the counter-offer because the price is still too high, or you can’t agree to the conditions. The sale doesn’t go through, and your deposit is returned.
Once your Offer to Purchase has been accepted, go to see your lender. Your lender will verify (and update, if necessary) your financial information and put together what’s needed to complete the mortgage application. Your lender may ask you to get a property appraisal, a land survey, or both. You may also be asked to get title insurance. Your lender will tell you about the various types of mortgages,terms, interest rates, amortization periods and, payment schedules available.
Types of Mortgages
Conventional Mortgage
A conventional mortgage is a mortgage loan that is equal to, or less than, 80% of the lending value of the property. The lending value is the property’s purchase price or market value — whichever is less. For a conventional mortgage, the down payment is at least 20% of the purchase price or market value.
High-ratio Mortgage
If your down payment is less than 20% of the home price, you will typically need a high-ratio mortgage. A high-ratio mortgage usually requires mortgage loan insurance. CMHC is a major provider of mortgage loan insurance. Your lender may add the mortgage loan insurance premium to your mortgage or ask you to pay it in full upon closing.
Mortgage Term
Your lender will tell you about the term options for the mortgage. The term is the length of time that the mortgage contract conditions, including interest rate, will be fixed. The term can be from six months up to ten years. A longer term (for example, five years) lets you plan ahead. It also protects you from interest rate increases. Think carefully about the term that you want, and don’t be afraid to ask your lender to figure out the differences between a one, two, five-year (or longer) term mortgage.
Mortgage Interest Rates
Mortgage interest rates are fixed, variable or adjustable.
Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate
A fixed mortgage interest rate is a locked-in rate that will not increase for the term of the mortgage.
Variable Mortgage Interest Rate
A variable rate fluctuates based on market conditions. The mortgage payment remains unchanged.
Adjustable Mortgage Interest Rate
With an adjustable rate, both the interest rate and the mortgage payment vary, based on market conditions.
Open or Closed Mortgage
Closed Mortgage
A closed mortgage cannot be paid off, in whole or in part, before the end of its term. With a closed mortgage you must make only your monthly payments — you cannot pay more than the agreed payment. A closed mortgage is a good choice if you’d like to have a fixed monthly payment. With it you can carefully plan your monthly expenses. But, a closed mortgage is not flexible. There are often penalties, or restrictive conditions, if you want to pay an additional amount. A closed mortgage may be a poor choice if you decide to move before the end of the term, or if you want to benefit from a decrease of interest rates.
Open Mortgage
An open mortgage is flexible. That means that you can usually pay off part of it, or the entire amount at any time without penalty. An open mortgage can be a good choice if you plan to sell your home in the near future. It can also be a good choice if you want to pay off a large sum of your mortgage loan. Most lenders let you convert an open mortgage to a closed mortgage at any time, although you may have to pay a small fee.
Amortization
Amortization is the length of time the entire mortgage debt will be repaid. Many mortgages are amortized over 25 years, but longer periods are available. The longer the amortization, the lower your scheduled mortgage payments, but the more interest you pay in the long run. If each mortgage term is five years, and the mortgage is amortized over 20 years, you will have to renegotiate the mortgage four times (every five years).
Payment Schedule
A mortgage loan is repaid in regular payments — monthly, biweekly or weekly. More frequent payment schedules (for example weekly) can save some interest costs by reducing the outstanding principal balance more quickly. The more payments you make in a year, the lower the overall interest you have to pay on your mortgage.
New Home Warranty Programs
Each province has new home warranty programs.
British Columbia
See the Homeowner Protection Office at www.hpo.bc.ca for the most up-to-date list of warranty programs. These include:
Lombard Canada New Home Warranty Program: www.lombard.ca
Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada (formerly London Guarantee Insurance Company): www.travelersguarantee.com
National Warranty Program Ltd.: (includes Royal and Sun Alliance)www.nationalhomewarranty.com
Pacific Home Warranty Insurance Services Inc. (Echelon General Insurance Company): www.pacificwarranty.com
Willis Canada Ltd (Commonwealth Insurance): www.williswarranty.com
Alberta
Progressive New Home Warranty Program (Echelon General Insurance Company):www.progressivewarranty.com
National Home Warranty Program Ltd.: www.nationalhomewarranty.com
New Home Warranty Program of Alberta: www.anhwp.com
Blanket Home Warranty Ltd.: www.blankethomewarranty.ca
Saskatchewan
Progressive New Home Warranty Program (Echelon General Insurance Company):www.progressivewarranty.com
National Home Warranty Program Ltd.: www.nationalhomewarranty.com
New Home Warranty Program of Saskatchewan: www.nhwp.org
Blanket Home Warranty Ltd.: www.blankethomewarranty.ca
Manitoba
Progressive New Home Warranty Program (Echelon General Insurance Company):www.progressivewarranty.com
National Home Warranty Program Ltd.: www.nationalhomewarranty.com
New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba: www.mbnhwp.com
Blanket Home Warranty Ltd.: www.blankethomewarranty.ca
Ontario
Tarion Warranty Corporation: www.tarion.com
Quebec
Garantie des maisons neuves de l ’APCHQ: www.gomaison.com
Garantie des maisons neuves de l’ACQ: www.acq.org
La garantie des maîtres bâtisseur: www.maitresbatisseurs.com
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Atlantic Home Warranty Program: www.ahwp.org
Lux Residential Warranty Program: www.luxrwp.com
Progressive New Home Warranty Program (Echelon General Insurance Co.):www.progressivewarranty.com
Closing Day
Closing day is the day when you finally take legal possession and get to call the house your home. The final signing usually happens at the lawyer or notary’s office.
These are the things that happen on closing day:
- Your lender will give the mortgage money to your lawyer/notary.
- You must give the down payment (minus the deposit) to your lawyer/notary. You must also give the remaining closing costs.
- Your lawyer/notary
- Pays the vendor
- Registers the home in your name
- Gives you the deed and the keys to your new home
Moving
Hiring a Mover
When planning your move, friends or relatives may be able to recommend a professional moving company. Don’t forget to ask the mover for references. Ask the mover for an estimate and outline of fees (Do they charge a flat rate or hourly fee?). Once you’ve chosen a mover, ask them to come to your home to see what will be moved in case the estimate needs to be changed.
You’ll want to ensure that your belongings are insured during the move. Your home or property insurance may cover goods in transit. Call your broker or insurance company to be sure. Ask if you are fully covered. Many moving companies offer additional insurance coverage. Be aware that professional movers are not responsible for items such as jewellery, money, or important papers. Move these yourself to keep them safe.
If you decide to do your own packing, keep in mind that you will need the proper materials, and that packing can take up a lot of time.
Moving Day
On moving day, go through the house with the van supervisor and give him (or her) any special instructions. The supervisor will note the condition of your goods on an inventory list. Go through the house with the supervisor to make sure the list is complete and accurate. When the van arrives at your new home, mark off the items on the mover’s list as they are unloaded. If you paid for the movers to unpack boxes and remove packing materials, remember that they will not put dishes or linens into cupboards.
Moving day is almost always tiring. But, planning ahead will make the transition as smooth as possible.
Moving Costs
The amount you spend depends on your decisions about many things. Here are some to think about:
- Do you want to hire professional movers?
- If so, will it be a large company, or a smaller local moving company?
- Will you need to buy insurance to protect your items in transit?
- If you plan to move yourself, will you rent a vehicle?
- Will your current auto or home insurance policy cover your items during the move?
- Will you have to pay utility companies a fee to connect their services in your new home? Are there other utility charges (such as a deposit)?
Post-Closing Costs
Changing the Locks
When you move into your new home you’ll want to change the exterior door locks for security. After all, you want only the people you choose to have the key to your new home. You can change the locks yourself, or call a locksmith to do the job.
Cleaning
Both your old home and your new home should be given a thorough cleaning at moving time. Whether you’re buying cleaning supplies and doing it yourself, or hiring someone to clean for you, the costs can really add up. Plan for this expense.
Decorating
You might want to re-paint, replace some light fixtures, refinish the floor, re-carpet, or do any number of other re-decorating tasks. Plan your budget, and consider postponing some projects for a period of time.
Appliances
If your offer to purchase didn’t include appliances, and if you don’t have your own, you will have to buy them when you move into your new home. Some appliances might have installation charges.
Tools and Equipment
When you own your own home, you can no longer call the landlord to do repairs. You’ll need to own some basic hand tools and possibly some gardening and snow clearing equipment.
Your Financial Responsibility
Make Your Mortgage Payments on Time
You can make your mortgage payments monthly, biweekly or weekly. But, whichever timetable you’ve chosen, it’s important to always make payments on time. Making late payments is called delinquency. Delinquency may result in late charges and negatively affect your credit rating. Failing to make payments can even lead to very serious consequences, like foreclosure.
A good way to prevent late payments is to have the amount automatically deducted from your account every month. It’s also recommended that you keep at least three months’ worth of mortgage payments in savings for emergency situations. If you are having trouble making payments, discuss the situation with your lender.
Plan for the Costs of Operating a Home
Besides your mortgage, property taxes and insurance, operating a home has many other ongoing costs. Maintenance and repair costs are at the top of the list. There may be other costs as well, for example a security alarm, snow removal, or gardening. If you have a condominium or strata, some of these expenses may be included as part of your monthly maintenance fee.
Save for Emergencies
Even when you can do repairs yourself, there are costs. When you have to pay for repairs, the costs are higher. As your home ages, it will need major repairs or replacement — this happens to every building. For example, when you bought your home, you might already know that the roof will need to be replaced in a few years because of its age. These are expected repairs and can be planned for. However, many repairs are unexpected, and can sometimes be costly.
Set aside an emergency fund to deal with unexpected problems ranging from major repairs to illness and job loss. A good guideline is to save 5% of your take-home pay, and to keep the money in a special account.
Live Within Your Budget
Prepare a monthly budget and stick to it. Take a few minutes every month to check your spending and see if you are meeting your financial goals. If you spend more than you earn, you must find new ways to save. If you are having trouble sticking to your budget, ask a professional money manager for help.
If you haven’t already reviewed your budget, now is the perfect time. Use the helpful CMHC worksheet Household Budget as Homeowner.
Home Maintenance
Maintenance, repair, and renovations are a normal part of homeownership. You will need to know about your home’s basic components, and know the actions you will need to take to adjust these systems or turn them off in case of emergency.
You’ll need to inspect your home regularly, and replace, or repair, parts and materials that wear out. And of course, since Canadian seasons can be so extreme, you’ll need to do many maintenance tasks on a seasonal basis.
Is your Home Safe?
Fire Evacuation Plan
Do you have a fire evacuation plan? A plan means that you make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out from each room, in case of a fire. If your home has a second floor, you need a special escape plan to get to the ground. Check to see that windows have not been painted shut. Although doors and windows should always be securely locked, you have to be able to open them in an emergency.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must always be easy to reach. If you have a two storey home, there should be a fire extinguisher on each floor. Remember to check your fire extinguishers at least once a year. To help you remember, make a habit of doing it when you set your clocks to Daylight Saving Time. Replace a fire extinguisher that is 10 years or older.
Smoke Alarms
In some areas, it is a legal requirement to have smoke alarms in your home. Whether or not it is a legal requirement, having smoke alarms is an excellent precaution. Check smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless, poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are important to have. They will let you know if there are high levels of carbon monoxide in your home. This can save you from illness, or even death. Check them at least once a year. Make a habit of checking your fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors all at the same time.
Fire Hazards
Paper, paint, chemicals and other clutter can be a fire hazard. Make sure these are stored in a safe place. When you no longer need the hazardous materials, you must dispose of them at a community toxic waste center. Never put hazardous materials into the garbage.
Valuables
Collect your important papers and store them in a safe place — for example, a fireproof box, or a safety deposit box.
Emergency Numbers
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers (including 911, poison prevention line, doctors, relatives, neighbours and friends) close to the phone. Make sure your children are aware of the list.
Home Improvements
Besides doing regular maintenance and repairing your home, you might also want to consider renovating or making improvements. These changes will not only make the home more pleasant for you to live in, they may also increase its value.
How Much is Just Right?
When planning renovations, be careful not to go overboard unless you plan to stay in your home for many years. If you are planning to sell your house, make sure that your changes won’t make your home worth a lot more than the other homes around you. The value of your home is closely related to the other homes in your area.
Over time, some renovations can practically pay for themselves, especially if they result in savings on utility bills, a higher selling price or years of greater comfort and enjoyment in your home.
Some Things to Keep in Mind
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a change or renovation:
- Ask yourself, “How appealing will this change be to someone buying my home in the future?” You can make very personalized changes with paint. Paint is inexpensive and can easily be changed. But, flooring, cabinets and countertops have a longer life — make choices that will also appeal to others.
- Think about getting your home energy-rated. This will tell you how energy efficient your home is and what improvements are possible. Visit Natural Resources Canada at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca to find information on current energy programs.
- Updating the bathrooms and kitchen in an older home can increase its resale value.
- Landscaping is important. The right planting can improve the appearance and value of your home.
- Updating your exterior paint, installing new roofing, resurfacing your walkways and driveway, and adding attractive mailboxes can help make your home more appealing.
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