What type of siding does the home have, and what kind of shape is it in? Is it a detached home or a duplex? How many stories does it have? Don‘t forget to jot down whether it has an attached or detached garage and whether it can store one or two cars. When you see a home that really grabs your attention, take a sheet of paper and write down the location, asking price, annual property taxes, mortgage terms, and any applicable zoning restrictions. A realtor should be able to provide any information you‘re lacking. EXTERIOR Jot down your impressions of the exterior of the home, noting the lot size and shape, position of the home on the lot (facing north or south, east or west), and whether it has a private or shared driveâ€" way. Also note whether it has a large front, side and backyard, what condition the landscaping is in, and whether there are many mature trees and shrubs. Compiling a houseâ€"hunting checklist as you go through homes could help you keep better track of things, so that you can easily recall the advantages and drawbacks of each one. home in the near future, you‘ve probâ€" ably already started looking. You may have seen quite a few and the details are starting to become somewhat hazy and jumbled. If you‘re thinking of purchasing a Do you remember which one had the ensuite bath and which one had the walkâ€" out basement? How much storage space did the first choice on your list have? Were appliances included in all of the homes you viewed? And what about property taxes and maintenance costs associated with each home? Can you remember how close local amenities â€" like stores, schools, and public transport â€" were to each of the homes you liked? Which one had the landscaping you liked best? Take note of details when hunting for houses ROYAL LEPAG D)T 111 Also, make sure there are enough outâ€" lets to run your appliances. Are the fridge, stove, and dishwasher included with the sale? Note how many burners the stove has and whether it‘s gas or elecâ€" tric. Is the oven selfâ€"cleaning? Once you‘ve completed your kitchen The kitchen is an essential part of any home, so note its general size and colors, whether it has an eatâ€"in area and suffiâ€" cient cupboard space. Is there a pantry or food preparation island? What condition are the countertops and sink in? Are the cupboards old or new? What shape is the floor in and what is it made of? Is the existing lighting adequate for carrying out kitchen tasks, as well as dinine? Check windows and note whether they are single pane or thermopane. Do they open and close without sticking? What about the doors? Also, make a note of their general condition and whether the locks and latches work. INTERIOR Once you‘ve completed your checklist for the exterior, it‘s time to move indoors. Note whether the home has a separate front hallway with a guest closâ€" et. How many rooms does the home conâ€" tain altogether? Of course, you will want to hire a house inspector for a thorough, profesâ€" sional survey â€" outside and inside â€" of any home you‘re serious about purchasâ€" ing. While still outside, take a good look at the roof and note its general condition and age. Check to see if any roof repairs were made recently. As well, check eaveâ€" stroughs and downspouts for signs of deterioration and look at the type of founâ€" dation the home has. Are there any visiâ€" ble cracks or holes or signs of water seepage? Also note whether there is a porch or verandah, storage shed and whether the yards are fenced. How private is the home? checklist, move on to the dining room and note its size, whether it‘s separate from the kitchen and the condition of the floors and walls. Are there any builtâ€"in cupboards? Is the existing chandelier being sold with the house? Take similar notes for the living room. Is there a fireâ€" place? How many windows are there? | FRESH ON THE MARKET â€" $150,900 ® * Lovely 2â€"storey home. * 4 bedrooms; large Family Room. * Excellent family lbcation. * July possession. $229,200. * Pretty bungalow on lovely mature lot * Ideally located, close to all amenities * Excellent opportunity! * $1,100/Month or $179,500. * Pretty detached home on large lot. â€" * Great potentioal â€" Exceptional value! * Won‘t last long! 2 Bdrm. â€" From $97,200. 3 Bdrm. â€" $110,000. 5 appliances, FP, immediate occupancy. Excellent family location, close to schools, shopping Community Centre. EILEEN GRAHAM 842â€"7000 If the home has a family room, note whether it‘s close or adjacent to the kitchen; if it has access to the outdoors; and if it has a fireplace. Again, check the condition of the floor or carpet â€" and look for cracks and other potential probâ€" lems. EXCITING CONDOMINIUM f APARTMENTS EILEEN GRAHAM 842â€"7000 EILEEN GRAHAM 842â€"7000