Scrolling through listings is the fun part — but before you start picturing your furniture in every home you see, there are a few things worth doing first.
Buying a home is a big decision, and having a little preparation behind you can make the entire process feel much less overwhelming. If you’re thinking about buying in Greater Victoria, here are six things I recommend doing before you start seriously house hunting.
1. Get Clear on Your Budget
Before falling in love with a home, it helps to understand what you’re actually comfortable spending each month — not just the maximum amount you may qualify to borrow.
Remember to factor in expenses beyond your mortgage payment, including property taxes, strata fees if applicable, utilities, insurance and ongoing maintenance.
A price point that leaves you some breathing room can feel very different from one that stretches your budget to its limit.
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A mortgage pre-approval gives you a much clearer idea of your purchasing power and can help you shop with confidence.
It also means that when the right property comes along, you’re already further along in the financing process and better prepared to make an offer.
3. Make Your Must-Have List
It’s easy to get distracted by beautiful kitchens, staging and finishes, so before you start viewing homes, make a list of what actually matters to you.
Consider things like:
● Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
● Commute and location
● Outdoor space
● Parking
● Schools and childcare
● Pet-friendly strata rules
● Walkability
● Renovation tolerance
Separate your list into must-haves and nice-to-haves. Very few homes check every box, so knowing your priorities makes decision-making much easier.
4. Explore More Than One Neighbourhood
Greater Victoria has so many different communities, and sometimes the neighbourhood you end up loving isn’t the one you initially had in mind.
Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Saanich, Esquimalt and Victoria all offer different lifestyles, housing options and price points.
Spend some time driving or walking through potential neighbourhoods. Visit at different times of day, check out nearby parks and amenities, and think about what living there would actually look like day to day.
5. Think Beyond the Listing Price
The purchase price is only one part of buying a home.
Depending on the property, you may also need to consider closing costs, inspections, legal fees, property transfer tax, moving costs and any immediate repairs or updates.
For condos and townhomes, reviewing strata documents, fees and contingency funds is also an important part of understanding the bigger financial picture.
6. Connect With a Realtor Early
You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to write an offer to reach out to a Realtor.
Starting the conversation early gives you time to ask questions, learn how the buying process works and get a better understanding of what’s available within your budget.
It also means we can keep an eye on new listings together, narrow down your search and make sure you’re ready when the right home comes along.
Ready to Start Looking?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before beginning the conversation.
Whether buying your first home is something you’re hoping to do this year or you’re simply trying to understand what your options are, I’m always happy to help you figure out your next step.
Thinking about buying in Greater Victoria? Reach out anytime — I’d love to help you get started.