When people go looking for a house they often spend less than a half an hour in the home and then decide to buy. I see it all the time, and guess what, its exactly what I did when I bought my first house. The second time I bought, I viewed the house twice  I spent two hours the second time taking measurements, looking at finishes, looking at the neighbourhood, and generally just soaking it in. The second time is most important.

The number one question you and/or your spouse must ask is "What do we want?" It is easier to just assume you understand yourself or your spouse. The result is that a feature like Berber carpet or a big fireplace will grab both of you and before you know it, you've signed the offer. You ignored the motorcycle gang next door. You saw the water in the basement, but hey, everyone has a little water. . . . . .

You must spend time coming to an agreement. If your buying alone or with someone, make a list of:

1. Must Have - Keep this short but mean it.

2. Would Like to Have - Dream if you wish but put this in order of priority.

3. Must Not Have - Also keep this list short, and stick to it.

The following is a list of issues that you may or may not have on your lists. Everyone will have something different and likely many things not shown in this list. Look at these and then make your own. Discuss your hopes, dreams, and realities. Fill out the list and leave it for a few days. Then go back to ensure you've really settled on your requirements, and then to help you. Forget about open houses. You'll just end up seeing the wrong ones that may tempt you into a bad decision. Know what you want and then ask for help to see it.

Sample Check List:

Location

Be flexible on this if possible, but if it is a must have, keep to it. Drive through neighbourhoods and get a feel for them. What about transportation, shopping, schools, playgrounds, obnoxious industries. Which direction is the area going, up or down? How far is it to friends and relatives. Remember that to Toronto folks, our entire region is a very quick drive!

Style (2 story, bilevel, etc)

Will you be able to climb the stairs in 10 years? Do you need the storage in a basement?

detached or semi-detached

or you may choose a townhouse. Some semi's offer a lot of house for very little.

Age of house

Do you want a nice new house but no landscaping? Or do you want an older home with" character" and lots of mature trees?

# of Bedrooms

What are your plans? How many children to you expect? Do you often have company?

# of baths

Most want two (can you afford it?).

Dining Room

This is usually in combination with the living room. Do you really want a separate room?

Main Floor Family Room

Everyone wants this. Can you afford it?

Main Floor Laundry

One of the great ideas that often gets missed. It should be a requirement in every new home.

Finished basement

A basement is a basement is a basement..... You can't make it a sun room no matter how hard you try. However, there are advantages such a playrooms (for sanity), "wreck" rooms for those teens, and an extra bedroom for your spouse's mother when she visits.

Fireplace

It looks terrific, but what is that smell? Have you split the wood yet? Maybe one of those nice slightly artificial gas fireplaces?

Air Conditioning

Either you do or you don't. Whole house fans can take the pain out of most hot days.

Heating System

Can you live with hot water radiant heat - as everyone says its more even, but do you know that its hard to add air conditioning later?

Pool - In Ground

A pool adds very little to the value of a property. Its a liability. Some say its like having milk cows. You just can't leave it unattended. But if you really enjoy it, go for it.

garage (1/2/3 car?)

Most people use their garage as a storage shed. Do you? A big shed in the back yard might handier and cheaper.

minimum frontage

The width of your lot is important if you have future plans, need to park an RV, or are a gardener. The other issue is privacy. Also ask if you can live with a corner lot.