Buying a home is an exciting journey, especially in a vibrant market like Vancouver. But amid the excitement of house hunting, it's crucial to stay focused and ask the right questions during each property tour. This ensures you make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises later. In this touring-a-home guide, we’ll outline key questions to ask when buying a house and important things to look for when buying a house. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, an investor, or an experienced mover, these tips will help you create a comprehensive home tour checklist and confidently evaluate any property.
Before the Tour: Be Prepared
Successful home tours start before you walk through the door. Preparation helps you use your visit time wisely. Here are some house-hunting tips to get ready:
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Research the Listing: Study the online listing to note the basics—age of the home, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, lot size, and any mention of recent renovations. In Vancouver, pay attention to keywords like “rainscreened” (important for condos) or “new roof.” Understanding the home’s background will inform your property viewing questions.
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Get Pre-Approved: Make sure you have a mortgage pre-approval in hand so you know your budget. Vancouver’s market moves fast, and being prepared financially lets you act quickly if you love the home.
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List Your Needs and Nice-to-Haves: Clarify what you need in a home (e.g., 3 bedrooms, parking, pet-friendly) versus what’s just a bonus. This will help you stay objective during the tour.
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Research the Neighborhood: Before the visit, look into the area. How are the nearby schools, parks, or transit options? Are there future developments planned nearby? In Vancouver, for example, new condo towers or transit expansions can change a neighborhood’s feel.
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Prepare a List of Questions: Bring a written list of first-time homebuyer questions and any specific concerns you have about the property. Having a checklist ensures you won’t forget key details.
Essential Questions to Ask When Viewing a House
During the tour, don’t be shy—asking questions is expected. Good agents appreciate buyers who ask informed questions because it shows you’re serious. Here are some crucial property viewing questions to cover, grouped by topic:
Questions About the Listing and Seller
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Why is the property being sold?
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How long has the property been on the market?
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Have there been any offers already?
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When are the sellers looking to close?
Questions About the Home’s Condition and History
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Are there any known issues with the property?
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How old is the roof, and when was it last replaced?
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How old are the major systems like the furnace and plumbing?
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Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
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Has the home ever had a professional inspection or major repairs?
Questions About Features and Inclusions
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What is included in the sale? Appliances, fixtures, window coverings?
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For strata properties: What are the monthly strata fees, and what do they cover?
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Are there any major strata projects or assessments coming up?
Questions About the Neighborhood
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What’s the neighborhood like?
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Is there an HOA or strata council, and what are the rules?
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Where can I find information about schools or safety?
Questions About Costs and Ownership
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What are the property taxes and typical utility costs?
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Are there any other ownership costs or obligations?
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Does the property have any unique expenses, like oil tank removal or flood insurance?
Home Tour Checklist: Things to Look for When Buying a House
Apart from asking questions, touring a property is your chance to look for potential issues or attributes that might not be obvious from photos. Treat it as a preliminary inspection. Here’s a checklist of things to examine as you walk through the home:
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Structural signs: Cracks in walls, uneven floors, sticking doors.
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Water damage and moisture: stains on ceilings, musty odors, and freshly painted patches.
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Roof and gutters: Missing shingles, moss growth, and pooling water near the foundation.
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Plumbing and electrical: Test faucets, flush toilets, flip light switches, and check panel type.
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Heating and cooling: Ask about furnace age, test fireplace, and check ventilation.
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Windows and insulation: Look for condensation, test function, and note drafts.
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Appliances and fixtures: Check included items and their condition.
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Storage and space: Evaluate closets, attic, crawl space, and extra storage.
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Yard and exterior: Walk around the property and check drainage, fencing, siding, and decks.
Special Considerations for First-Time Home Buyers
Touring a house can be overwhelming for a first-time home buyer. Everything is new, and you might not be sure what to focus on. Here are some tips:
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Focus on fundamentals, not decor.
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No question is too basic—ask if you don’t understand something.
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Gauge your comfort and needs—picture living there day to day.
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Take notes and debrief with your agent after each tour.
Additional Tips for Investors and Repeat Buyers
For investors or experienced buyers, focus on:
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Rental potential and restrictions.
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Resale value and neighborhood growth.
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Costs of ownership, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
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Renovation feasibility and restrictions.
Conclusion: Be Thorough and Take Your Time
Touring a property is a major step in the home buying process. It’s your opportunity to gather information directly and envision your life (or investment returns) in that space. By coming prepared with a list of questions, asking plenty of them on-site, and conducting your own mini-inspection, you’ll be far better equipped to make a wise decision.
Buying in a competitive market like Vancouver can feel pressured, but remember that a house is a huge investment. Take the time to get the facts now—ask about that strange spot on the ceiling, run the faucets, and open the electrical panel. Use this guide as a starting point and add your own questions as needed.
In the end, the goal is to avoid buyer’s remorse by doing due diligence. By following this guide and using a thorough home tour checklist, you’ll walk away from each viewing with a clear picture of the home’s pros and cons. That puts you in a position to make an informed offer (or decide to walk away) with confidence.
Happy house hunting, and may your property tours lead you to the perfect home!
Looking for expert guidance while touring homes in Vancouver?
I’m Adam Chahl, an award-winning Vancouver real estate agent and founder of Vancouver Home Search. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or upgrading your current place, my team at PLACE Real Estate Team—Oakwyn Realty is here to help you ask the right questions, spot red flags, and secure the best property for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What questions should I ask when viewing a house in Vancouver?
You should ask about the roof age, heating systems, plumbing, electrical wiring, and any history of water damage. Also, inquire about property taxes, strata fees (for condos), and upcoming neighborhood developments. These details give you a clear picture of costs and future upkeep.
2. What are the most important things to look for when buying a house?
Focus on structural condition, water damage, roof health, and the age of major systems like furnaces or hot water tanks. Don’t forget practical details such as storage, natural light, and whether the layout fits your lifestyle.
3. How is touring a condo different from touring a house?
For condos, you’ll want to ask about strata fees, special assessments, building maintenance, and whether the property has been rainscreened. With a house, you’re more focused on lot size, yard condition, and the structure itself.
4. Do I need a home inspection if I’ve already toured the property carefully?
Yes. A personal tour is important, but it doesn’t replace a professional inspection. Inspectors can identify hidden issues like faulty wiring, foundation cracks, or plumbing leaks that aren’t visible during a casual walkthrough.
5. What should first-time buyers bring to a home tour?
Bring your home tour checklist, a list of first-time homebuyer questions, and a camera or phone for notes and photos. It’s also helpful to bring a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion.
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