15 Things Nobody Tells You About Buying a Home

1. Some sellers use drop-cams to record potential buyers viewing their homes. It’s important to be mindful of your behavior and conversations during home tours.
2. On average, people look at around 15 properties before making an offer. It takes time to find the right fit for your needs and preferences.
3. When you visit your new home for the first time after buying it, you may experience moments of doubt and second-guessing your decision. It’s normal to have mixed emotions during this time.
4. Between the time of buying a home and taking possession, you may find yourself constantly checking on the property, almost like a stalker, to ensure everything is in order.
5. In certain areas like Toronto, it’s common not to receive the keys to your new home until after 4 pm on the closing day. This timing can affect your moving plans and logistics.
6. You are entitled to receive the house in the same condition as it was on the day of purchase. Sellers are expected to maintain the property until the closing day.
7. Most Agreements of Purchase and Sale require the seller to leave the home in a “broom-swept” condition. This means the seller must clean the property, removing all debris and personal belongings.
8. Your mortgage approval is conditional on obtaining home insurance, and the bank won’t release funds on the closing day until you provide proof of insurance coverage.
9. Between the time you agree to buy the property and the possession date, you may visit the home multiple times for various reasons, such as showing it to family, taking measurements, or planning renovations.
10. On the closing day, it’s important to test out everything in the house, including appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems, to ensure they are in working order.
11. Hiring a handyman shortly after moving in can help you address the list of small repairs or improvements you want to make. It’s best to tackle them early on to avoid procrastination.
12. House hunting is just one aspect of a realtor’s job. If you found the home you want to buy on your own, your realtor’s role shifts to handling paperwork, negotiations, and guiding you through the closing process.
13. Bidding wars can be stressful and emotionally draining. The morning after, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions, regardless of the outcome.
14. It’s not unusual to continue browsing real estate websites, like realtor.ca, even after buying a home. It’s a way to reassure yourself that you made the right decision and to stay informed about the market.
15. Moving day, regardless of your excitement about the new home, can be a challenging and exhausting experience. Be prepared for the physical and emotional demands of the moving process.

Remember, each home-buying experience is unique, and these insights can help you navigate the process with more awareness and preparedness.