Pickering real estate is full of options no matter what your age or background! The affordability and availability of homes has made our city one of the fastest-growing areas in the entire GTA. That, and a plethora of beautiful parks, exciting entertainment districts, and fantastic schools don’t hurt either.

Chances are, your ideal home is just waiting for you, whether you’re a first-time buyer, retiree, or a current homeowner looking to upgrade to something more spacious. The first step is to know what to look for. In this post, we’ll get you off to a great start with a comprehensive checklist.

Are you wondering what might be available in Pickering and the GTA as you begin your home search? You can get an idea by viewing our featured listings right here.

Preparing for a Successful Purchase

There are some preliminary steps even before beginning your list of criteria for your new home. If the idea of buying a house has just taken root, you might start with a quick pre-qualification. This gives you a general idea of how much you might be able to borrow. If you’re not sure when or even if you will move forward, this is a great way to begin. It’s as simple as filling out a few questions online, you get an answer right away, and there is no obligation to proceed.

If you’re determined to go ahead, we suggest starting with a pre-approval. It’s more in-depth than a pre-qualification, but gives you an even more accurate idea of what a bank will be willing to lend you.

The lender will want to know about your assets, employment status, and any debts you carry before granting a Certificate of Pre-Approval. You can now determine a realistic budget based on how much you can borrow combined with your savings. With an accurate budget range, you can create your vision of what you want your home to look like.

Why would anyone want to live in Pickering? You’ll find just a few reasons in the posts below:

• Is Pickering a Good Place to Live?
• What Are the Best Parks in Pickering?
• What Does Pickering Offer Empty-Nesters?

Consider the Attributes

Houses come in all different sizes and structures. Finding the right one means thoroughly examining your current lifestyle and future plans. For example, a one or two-bedroom condo might suit your needs at this time.

But if you plan to add to your family in the next few years, you’ll likely find yourself having to move again. Ideally, you want to find a home where you can still be comfortable five years from now. A checklist of attributes can help you map out your long term goals.

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need?
• Is a driveway or garage important to you?
• Do you prefer an open or closed floor plan?
• When do you want to move into your new home?
• What structure do you like best? Detached, townhouse or condo?
• Do you prefer a modern new-build or a classic older home?
• Are you willing to invest in upgrades or do you need something move-in ready?

Location, Location, Location

Once you have an idea of the size and structure of your new house, the next question is where? Fortunately, Pickering is full of exciting and family-friendly neighbourhoods, any one of which might be perfect for your needs.

Consider Seaton, the largest residential development in all of Canada! If you’re dreaming of a spacious, modern home in a highly convenient area that is also full of parks and greenery, Seaton might just be the answer you’re looking for. Many residents are already happily settled in, and more are arriving all the time.

Seaton may be the most significant development, but it’s far from the only option. Whether you’re looking for picturesque surroundings, great shopping, or a chance to work where you live, there is a community for you in Pickering.

Curious about accessibility and living in Pickering? Watch this video next:

Want to get to know Pickering’s communities even better? Here is some related reading you are sure to love:

• Is Seaton, Ontario a Good Place to Live?
• What Are Pickering’s Best Neighbourhoods?

What to Avoid

Buying a new home is always a thrilling adventure, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when honing your vision. However, the right purchase is also about what to avoid. Obviously, you want to avoid problem homes where the foundation crumbles two weeks after moving in. A home inspection can guard against major issues, whether as a condition of sale or you arrange it on your own before placing your offer.

However, there are other, less well-known issues to watch out for. For example, imagine you plan to add a second storey to your home, but a new by-law makes it next to impossible to get a permit. Or the house has a stigma and you’d prefer not to live at what was once the site of a horrific crime. For these details, work with a local Pickering real estate agent to help you determine whether that new home suits your needs, now and later.

Want to ensure you get the best deal and terms when buying Pickering real estate? The posts below can help:

• Pickering Vs Toronto: Where Should You Buy a Home?
• Should You Buy or Sell First?
• Can You Make a Home Offer Appealing Without Paying More Money?

Partner With a Pickering Real Estate Agent

There could be any number of features that you either don’t know that you want or aren’t aware that you should avoid. Those are the toughest of all to narrow down since you don’t know what to ask.

Buying a house you plan on living in is too important to not consider everything – not to mention that it is also one of your biggest financial investments. Performing your due diligence and partnering with a knowledgeable expert can help you zero in on the perfect home in just the right neighbourhood.

At Team Rajpal, we know exactly what to ask to refine your vision and find a home you and your whole family will love. For more information, call 647-875-8000 or email info@teamrajpal.com.

Have Questions?

Reach out to our experts! Whether you need help with a transaction or you’re just looking for market information, we’re here to help.

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