Open houses are designed to make you feel something. Your job is to notice things. Bring this list.
Outside
- Roof: missing shingles, sagging lines, moss.
- Grading: does the ground slope toward the house?
- Foundation: cracks wider than a coin, efflorescence, patched areas.
- Windows: condensation between panes, rot at the sills.
- Driveway and walkways: heaving, drainage.
- The neighbours: fences, additions, how the street is kept.
Basement
- Smell. Musty means moisture.
- Water stains on walls or floor, a sump pump, a dehumidifier running.
- The electrical panel: breakers, capacity, any knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring in older Toronto homes.
- Furnace and water heater age, and whether the water heater is rented.
Main floors
- Open every tap; check water pressure and how fast the hot water arrives.
- Flush every toilet. Look under every sink.
- Floors: soft spots, slopes, squeaks.
- Fresh paint on one wall only. Ask why.
- Cell reception in every room.
Paperwork to ask for
- Survey, permits for additions or finished basements, the age of roof and mechanicals, any pre-list inspection, and for condos the status certificate.
None of this replaces a home inspection, but it tells you which homes deserve one. Register as a buyer and we will preview homes before you spend a Saturday on them.
Thinking about a move? Get a request a home evaluation, browse our listings or talk to the team.
