Home Buying Checklist
The Ultimate Home Buyer’s Checklist (Needs vs. Wants)
The excitement of buying a home can quickly turn into “analysis paralysis” if you’re not clear on what you’re looking for. A focused home search is a successful home search. The key is to clearly define your “must-haves” versus your “nice-to-haves” before you start looking at listings.
This guide is your practical workshop to build that essential list, helping you quickly identify homes that are a true fit and eliminate those that aren’t.
The “Must-Haves”: Your Non-Negotiables
These are the absolute deal-breakers. If a house doesn’t have these, you walk away. Be realistic, as these often directly impact your budget and the available inventory.
Examples of Must-Haves:
- Minimum number of bedrooms (e.g., “at least 3 bedrooms”).
- Specific school catchment area.
- Double garage.
- Main-floor office for remote work.
The “Nice-to-Haves”: Your Wants & Wishes
These are the features that would be fantastic but aren’t essential. This is where you can be flexible. If a home ticks all your “must-haves,” these “wants” become the tie-breakers.
Examples of Nice-to-Haves:
- Finished basement.
- South-facing backyard.
- Gas stove.
- Quartz countertops.
Your Personalized Home Buying Checklist
Use this checklist to help you organize your thoughts. Print it out, fill it in, and discuss it with anyone involved in your home buying decision. This clarity will be invaluable as you start your search!
| Feature / Category | Must-Have (✓) | Nice-to-Have (✓) | Notes / Details |
| Location | |||
| School District | |||
| Commute Time | Max. minutes to work/school | ||
| The Home Structure | |||
| Type of Home | Single-family, duplex, condo, etc. | ||
| Number of Bedrooms | Minimum | ||
| Number of Bathrooms | Minimum | ||
| Interior Features | |||
| Kitchen Layout | Open concept, island, pantry | ||
| Main Floor Office | |||
| Exterior Features | |||
| Yard Size | |||
| Facing Direction | South-facing backyard, et | ||
✨ Get Your Free Printable Checklist!
Download our beautifully designed, comprehensive checklist. Print it out to make notes during showings, compare properties effortlessly, and ensure you find your perfect home.
Your Next Step
With your clear, organized checklist in hand, you’re ready to start exploring the Edmonton real estate market with purpose and confidence.
See how this fits into the bigger picture in our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton →
Ready to Start Looking?
Each step in the home-buying journey is an important one. To see how this topic fits into the complete process, review our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.
Home Search FAQs
If you’re ready to start your home search, you can contact us here.
How many homes should I see before making an offer?
There is no magic number. Some buyers find the perfect home on their first day, while others may look at 20 or more. The goal isn’t to see a certain number of homes, but to become educated on the current market. Once you feel you have a strong sense of what your money can buy in your desired neighbourhood, you’ll know the right home when you see it.
What are the biggest red flags to watch for during a showing?
Beyond cosmetic issues, look for major potential problems. Key red flags include signs of water damage (stains on ceilings or in the basement), a strong musty or damp smell, major cracks in the foundation or walls, and an electrical panel that looks old or disorganized. Also, pay attention to the condition of big-ticket items like the roof, windows, and furnace.
Should I be concerned about a house that has been on the market for a long time?
Not necessarily. A long time on the market doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the house; it’s often a sign that the property was initially overpriced. If the price has since been corrected, it can represent a great opportunity to purchase a solid home with less competition. It’s a situation that warrants further investigation, not automatic dismissal.
How do I know what a home is really worth?
The true market value of a home is determined by what similar properties in the area have recently sold for. As your Realtor, we provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) for any home you are serious about. This report compares the property to other recent sales, active listings, and expired listings, giving you the hard data needed to make a confident and informed offer.
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