Your Guide to Buying a Home in Halton & Hamilton Region
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, this checklist will help keep your home search on track.
✅ Before You Start Looking
Financial Preparation
☐ Review your monthly budget
☐ Check your credit score
☐ Save for your down payment
☐ Budget for closing costs (typically 1.5%–4% of purchase price)
☐ Obtain a mortgage pre-approval
☐ Determine your maximum comfortable monthly payment
Build Your Team
☐ Choose a trusted REALTOR®
☐ Connect with a mortgage professional
☐ Identify a real estate lawyer
☐ Research home inspection services
✅ Define Your Must-Haves
Location Preferences
☐ Burlington
☐ Oakville
☐ Milton
☐ Waterdown
☐ Ancaster
☐ Dundas
☐ Stoney Creek
☐ Hamilton Mountain
☐ East Hamilton
☐ West Hamilton
Property Type
☐ Detached Home
☐ Semi-Detached Home
☐ Townhouse
☐ Condo Apartment
☐ Bungalow
☐ Adult Lifestyle Community
Home Features
☐ Number of Bedrooms ______
☐ Number of Bathrooms ______
☐ Main Floor Primary Bedroom
☐ Finished Basement
☐ Garage
☐ Large Backyard
☐ Home Office
☐ In-Law Suite Potential
☐ Newer Roof/Furnace
☐ Move-In Ready
✅ Research the Neighbourhood
Important Considerations
☐ School Ratings
☐ Commute Times
☐ Public Transit Access
☐ Nearby Parks and Trails
☐ Shopping and Restaurants
☐ Recreation Facilities
☐ Future Development Plans
☐ Walkability
Ask Yourself:
☐ Can I see myself living here in 5–10 years?
☐ Does this area support my lifestyle?
☐ Is the neighbourhood suitable for my family needs?
✅ While Viewing Homes
Exterior
☐ Roof Condition
☐ Windows and Doors
☐ Driveway Condition
☐ Foundation Issues
☐ Landscaping and Drainage
Interior
☐ Layout Meets Your Needs
☐ Adequate Storage Space
☐ Signs of Water Damage
☐ Electrical Panel Updated
☐ Furnace and Air Conditioner Age
☐ Plumbing Condition
Questions to Ask
☐ How long has the property been on the market?
☐ Are there any known defects?
☐ What updates have been completed?
☐ What are the utility costs?
☐ Are there rental items?
✅ Before Making an Offer
☐ Review comparable sales
☐ Confirm property taxes
☐ Verify inclusions and exclusions
☐ Review status certificate (condos)
☐ Understand offer conditions
☐ Discuss strategy with your REALTOR®
✅ Once Your Offer Is Accepted
☐ Arrange Home Inspection
☐ Finalize Financing
☐ Hire Real Estate Lawyer
☐ Obtain Home Insurance
☐ Schedule Utility Transfers
☐ Arrange Moving Services
✅ Final Walk-Through
☐ Confirm agreed-upon repairs completed
☐ Verify appliances are operational
☐ Ensure property condition matches agreement
☐ Confirm all inclusions remain
Moving Day Essentials
☐ Change Address
☐ Update Driver’s Licence
☐ Notify Banks and Service Providers
☐ Transfer Utilities
☐ Set Up Internet and Cable
☐ Locate Water Shut-Off and Electrical Panel
🎁 Free Buyer Consultation
Thinking about buying a home in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Waterdown, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, or Hamilton?
Dave Dulmage
Heritage Realty Inc. Brokerage
Office 905-689-0011
Direct 905-407-3441
email dave@heritagerealty.ca
Instagram @davedulmage
Website davedulmagerealestate.ca
“Helping buyers make confident real estate decisions throughout Halton and Hamilton Region.”
