09/10/2026
Buying a home is a major decision. Before making any purchase, there are a few steps worth taking.
Think short-term and long-term. Ideally, you want a home that meets your needs for the next 5 to 10 years, or one with spaces that can adapt to your needs. If you have teenagers, will they be moving away to school soon? Do you have a parent or older relative who might come to live with you at some point?
If you plan to commute by car, it can be a good idea to drive your route at rush hour to get a sense of the time involved. And if the development is already partly built and lived in, walk around and chat with people on the street. Most won't mind, and nothing beats talking with the neighbours to learn about a community.
The full guide covers types of homes, freehold versus condominium ownership, what to ask a builder about a community, and a worksheet to keep track of what each home offers you.
Access the full guide here: https://www.chba.ca/before-buying-a-new-home/
What is the one question you wish you had asked before you bought?