Tips for Buyers

• Consider the location. Is it close to services important to you? For example, schools, shopping, parks.
• Visit the property at various times in the day (early morning, noon, late afternoon and late at night on both weekdays and weekends).
• Have the property inspected (by your own choice of inspector).
• Walk or bike around the neighborhood. This will give you better feel for the location and surroundings.
• Consider the house in other seasons. For example, how bright will various rooms be in the winter?
• Consider the neighbors. Are yards neat and cared for?
• Bring a friend and ask them to play "devil's advocate". An impartial 3rd party removed from the stress of making a large decision can point out factors you hadn't considered.
• Check for external sources of noise e.g. heat pumps, highways, neighbor's dog, industrial buildings.
• Consider potential changes to the neighborhood e.g. planned roads, highways, apartment blocks, parks, other housing developments. A visit to the city planner in the local municipal hall is often helpful.