Buyers Beware

Buyers Beware

  • Emily McHale
  • 04/21/22

There is nothing worse than buying a home only to discover problems that will require costly and/or time consuming repairs. Hiring a home inspector is standard practice after purchasing home and it is typically the buyers responsibility to pay for the inspection. However, before purchasing a property there are a few things you can look out for that could influence your decision to put in an offer.

Neighbourhood

You can renovate a house, but you can't change its location.  Do your research on the schools, the traffic and your neighbours.  Know things like; "is this a popular street to park on and walk to the TTC?"

Easements

An easement grants someone the legal right to use part of another person’s property (Ex. buried utility lines). An easement can create limitations to how you can use/build on your property. For instance, if a utility company has lines buried in your yard, it may impact your ability to put in a pool, a foundation for a gazebo, an extension, etc.

What to look for

To find out if there is an easement on a property, you’ll need to check the deed of the property or visit the Land Registry Office

Parking Pad

Before putting in an offer on a home with a parking pad, we recommend getting confirmation that it is a legal parking pad. It is not uncommon for builders to falsely claim that they got the necessary approval when they haven’t. There are strict rules around parking pads and getting approved can be difficult and it is quite possible for your request to be rejected by the city.

What to look for

Locations Licensed for Residential Off-Street Parking is a list of licensed address locations that allow for a front yard parking pad. Although this is a good resource, we encourage you to confirm the information with someone at the Off-Street Parking office.

Smell

When walking through a property of interest, take note of what you smell.

What to look out for

Be wary of properties that are heavily scented with wall plugs, candles, or room sprays. This can indicate that they are trying to cover up unpleasant smells. Smelling mould or dampness can indicate water damage from flooding or poor ventilation. Another smell to look out for is smoke; specifically cigarette smoke which sinks into walls, carpets, furniture, and other porous surfaces. This may not deter you from purchasing a property but it is something to be aware of as it is can be difficult to get rid of.

Nearby water sources

Water sources like rivers or streams can make a property look idyllic. However, it is important to consider the risks of living in close proximity to water as it can create the potential for flooding.

What to look for

Public resources like the city flood map provide insight on the likelihood and occurrence of flooding in areas around Toronto and the GTA. Neighbours are also a good resource as they are likely aware of major flooding in the neighbourhood.

Windows

When walking through a property, take a close look at the windows and window frames.

What to look out for

Windows that are sticking or crooked could suggest poor installation or worse, issues with the foundation of the home. This can lead to extremely costly repairs down the line.

 

Water damage

Water damage results from insufficient cleaning/repair after flooding or a broken or leaking pipe and can have a hugely negative impact on a home; damage to floors, walls and ceilings, electrical problems, mould, etc.

What to look for

Check walls and ceilings for water lines and if possible, check exposed piping in the basement or laundry room for rust, water stains, or leaking.

Shoddy electrical work

Poorly executed electrical wiring in a home can create increased risk of sparks or a fire occurring in your home.

What to look for

Bring a phone charger to test outlets, and peek at an electrical panel if possible; neat and organized with each wire and connection clearly marked is typically a sign of good workmanship whereas a messy nest of wires can indicate poor workmanship and can pose a safety hazard.

Other tips

-Look beyond aesthetics (think: makeup on a pig)
-Check for condensation on windows or bubbling or peeling paint around windows, doors, or vents which can indicate moisture and poor ventilation (particularly in washrooms where moisture builds up)
-Check if a property has outstanding liens against it that could extend or complicate the buying process (you can buy a home with a lien against it but the seller must pay off the lien before the sale goes through)
-Although a home inspector is likely to catch any issues with a home, you can save time and money if you know what to look for first

Work With Us

We have experience in many different areas of real estate and we would be happy to assist you with whatever you need. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Follow Us on Instagram