Nowadays, there are many different types of homes to choose from. And there are pros and cons to each. Take a minute to reflect on your lifestyle and based on that, decide what best fits you. Danielle helps by breaking down the most popular housing options here.

First, decide where you want to live

• Urban
  Ahh, the big city. Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even to work. You’ll also have the widest range of housing options.
  
  
• Suburban
  Newer schools, newer shopping centres, bigger yards, bigger homes, no wonder so many people love the suburbs.
  
  
• Smaller Cities and Towns
  Canada is dotted with thousands of wonderful self-contained communities, and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle.
  
  
• Rural
  If you like the idea of owning land, how about a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it’s heaven.

Next, decide what type of home you want

By now, you probably have a good idea of what type of home is right for you. To familiarize yourself with the terminology, here’s a quick overview:

• Single-family detached
  As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a single-story suburban bungalow, to a three-story Victorian.
  
  
• Semi-detached
  Two houses that share a common wall. Usually less money than a fully detached home.
  
  
• Duplex
  A building zoned for two families.
  
  
• Townhouse
  Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style and joined in a row. They usually share walls on both sides.
  
  

The condo alternative

• How Condos are owned
  You’ll own 100% of your unit, and a share of the common areas. Common areas include the necessary plumbing, electrical systems, hallways and elevators. They may also include lots of fun stuff like a private gym or party room.
  
  
• Condo fees.
  Membership has privileges — and costs. On top of your mortgage and property taxes, condo owners also pay a monthly fee to operate and maintain the common areas. Be sure to look into condo fees, and how well they’re managed, before signing anything.
  
  

New or resale?

• Resale. Previously loved
  Nothing can match the charm and character of an older home. As a bonus, the previous owner may have made improvements and upgrades and you get them with the house, usually for less than the cost of putting them in yourself. However, some may have a little too much ‘character’, like a leaky roof. Know what you’re getting into.
  
  
• Ahh… that new house smell
  If you’re having a new home built from the bottom up, carefully examine the property, the blueprints and visit other homes built by the same company. Have your Danielle and/or lawyer review everything before you sign. While your home is being built, stay on top of the process. And remember, you have a legal right to make a full inspection of the house before you accept it as complete.
  
  

You know what you wants, but let’s talk needs

Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it’s too small? Then your new home should have at least three bedrooms, and probably a second bathroom. Danielle calls these must-have features “needs”. Features you’d like to have are called “wants”.

Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your ‘needs’, and as many of your ‘wants’ as possible. Danielle helps by providing you with a link to your very own Dream Home Checklist. Download it here


Read Step 3 > Sell Your Current Home

Incredibly Helpful Buying Guide

1. Getting Ready to Buy
2. Decide What Type of Home to Buy
3. Sell Your Current Home
4. House Hunting and Viewing
5. Making an Offer
6. Closing the Deal and Moving In