Real Estate Information and Market Trends| Real Estate Victoria BC

If you are thinking of buying Real Estate in Victoria in the near future, there are many ways we can provide you with invaluable help in finding the right home at the right price and in the right neighbourhood. Through a Real Time Website you get access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) and we can give you a customized personal website with list of homes for sale that match your needs and wants.

Once you narrowed your search down on your Real Time Website and we have decided to go out and have a look, a house hunting checklist can help you keep track of the advantages and drawbacks of each property we look at. A checklist should include what is important to you. Some things to include might be the basic information regarding location, asking price, property taxes, condition of the home etc.

Exterior of the property.
Write down your impressions of the exterior of the home, noting the lot size and shape, position of the home on the lot (facing north, south, east or west). Note the condition of the landscaping and whether the yard is fenced. Check the condition of the siding (does it need painting, dry rot etc.) and also whether the home has an attached or detached garage. You may want to have a peak at the roof to see what the condition and get an idea of the age. It’s also important to examine the foundation of the home for any visible cracks or holes.

Interior or the property
The interior of the home is also very important, however remember paint is cheap. many peopel get turned off because of the colour paint. To me a good entrance is very important, but may not be to you. Check the windows to ensure they open and close easily and note the general condition of the doors. The kitchen is an important room in any home, so pay attention to its size, the condition of the appliances, sink, cupboard space, counter tops, flooring, lighting and electrical outlets. Remember the applainces that are listed as an inclusion are only included if you pay the price the seller want. If negotiate on the price (which most of us try to do) you may not get all the applaiences. Just have it all in writing. Don’t pay to much for used applaiences.

If a separate dining room, a family room and fireplace is important to you, look to see how your furnitures will fit in. Note also the size of the bedrooms and closet space and whether there are any window coverings or adjoining bathrooms. Also make note of the flooring and room colours.

Make notes on the number and size of bathrooms and the conditions of the fixtures. Checking all faucets and flushing toilets are in my opinion not nessecary since you will have a building inspection and the inspector will look in to all that.

Basement Area.
Make a note regarding how much of the basement is finished. Note whether there is a utility area and whether the washer and dryer are being sold with the property. Heating system is an important part of your home. If the furnace and or oil tank is to old, you may have to replace it to get the property insured.  Look at the water service, plumbing (copper or other), electrical panel and insulation if visable. If you have questions as we go along, we will be able to help you answer some of them ones that you are unsure of. It is also a good idea to have a professional building inspector examine any home in which you are seriously interested.

Cheers, Anders

Royal LePage Coast Capital – Properties In Victoria Professionals.