Top 10 House Hunting Tips for Ontario Homebuyers

Searching for a new place to call home is an exciting journey—but it’s also easy to get swept up in the moment and make emotional decisions. While first impressions matter (and they’re formed in under seven seconds), rushing into a purchase can lead to buyer’s remorse. To help you stay focused and make informed decisions, here are 10 essential house hunting tips every homebuyer should consider before stepping into a showing.

1. Prioritize Location

While many features of a home can be renovated or upgraded, the location is permanent. Think carefully about proximity to work, schools, public transit, and essential amenities. If you’re buying a home in the Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, or Northumberland, research upcoming developments or zoning changes that could affect the neighborhood’s future appeal or value.

2. Pay Attention to Smells

Unusual odors can be a sign of underlying issues. A pleasant scent might mask something more serious, like mold or poor ventilation. A persistent musty smell could signal dampness or water damage—problems that are expensive to fix.

3. Check the Floors

Slanted or uneven floors may indicate structural problems. Bring up any concerns with your REALTOR®, who can flag the issue for further investigation during the home inspection phase.

4. Evaluate Natural Light

Natural light enhances the atmosphere of a home, but it’s often overlooked—especially during evening showings or winter months. If lighting is important to you, try to schedule visits during daylight hours to assess each room's exposure.

5. Consider Room Layout and Size

Make sure each room is functional for your needs—and that your furniture fits comfortably. An awkward layout can reduce the home’s livability, even if square footage is adequate.

6. Assess Parking

Is there enough parking for all members of your household? Will a large vehicle fit in the driveway or garage? Limited parking can become an expensive or inconvenient issue, especially in urban areas.

7. Review Laundry Accessibility

In-home laundry is a must for many buyers. If laundry facilities are present, are they easy to access? If not, is there a nearby laundromat or shared facility that fits your lifestyle?

8. Look for Adequate Storage

Clutter adds up fast. Be sure there’s enough storage space for seasonal items, tools, and personal belongings. Consider closets, pantries, basements, and garage space as part of your overall storage needs.

9. Don’t Be Fooled by Staging

Professional staging helps a property show well, but it can also distract from potential problems. Look beyond stylish furniture and fresh-baked-cookie scents to focus on the home’s structure, layout, and condition.

10. Inspect Kitchens and Bathrooms Closely

Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most expensive rooms to renovate. Check for signs of wear, water damage, outdated plumbing, or appliances nearing the end of their lifespan. A beautiful kitchen may not be as functional as it appears.

Final Thoughts for Homebuyers

Although a licensed home inspection is a critical step before purchasing, being observant during your initial viewings can help you spot red flags early—and potentially save on unnecessary inspections. Keep a checklist of each property you tour, and make detailed notes so you can compare options clearly later on.

The Absolute Top Tip For House Hunting!

If you're navigating the real estate market in southern or eastern Ontario, working with an experienced local REALTOR® can make all the difference. From Durham Region to Northumberland, our team is here to help you find a home that checks all your boxes.

REALTORS® are a great tool when it comes to buying or selling a home!