From “could we?” to “this works for us.”

Describe the practical change you need: the daily travel, usable space, access, maintenance or location. Choose a few essentials, identify flexible preferences and decide which trade-offs you do not want to make.

Build a buyer brief before searching widely. Update it when a viewing teaches you something. A search that keeps returning unsuitable homes needs a clearer brief, not more alerts.

Your purchase-price budget is only one figure. Calculate cash at closing and ongoing ownership costs separately. Keep money for ordinary life and contingencies after the purchase.

A lender must confirm qualification, terms and property financing. Ask about appraisal, insurance, penalties, portability and the consequences of changing your finances before closing. Do not treat an online payment result as approval.

Read the RECO information guide and discuss the proposed representation agreement. Understand services, duration, geographic scope, fees and relevant obligations before signing. Ask what happens if a property involves multiple representation.

Have your own lawyer available for legal review, and use qualified professionals for inspections, insurance, tax and other matters outside the agent’s role.

Look at the way the home works, not just the way it is furnished. Check access, storage, light, noise and the route you will use. Identify renovations and property-use questions that need records or professional investigation.

For a condo, arrange review of the status certificate and relevant documents. For a rural property or an additional unit, identify the property-specific checks early. Visit the area at another time of day.

Review price alongside conditions, deposit, closing, inclusions and exclusions. Understand what each deadline requires. If you consider removing a condition, discuss the unresolved risk first.

A better price does not cure every contract problem. Your walk-away decision belongs in the plan before the offer becomes emotional.

Follow the actual agreement and your professionals’ instructions. Confirm the funds, insurance, utility arrangements, access visits and moving plan. Verify payment instructions through a trusted channel if anything changes.

Your lawyer confirms legal completion and key arrangements. Keep the documents you may need later, and make a first-month list for maintenance, services and the small things a move leaves unfinished.