Carol Bass

Sales Representative

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *

Mobile:
416-520-9489
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Checklist 1: Before You Start Looking

Before you start house hunting, Create a clear list of what’s must-have, nice-to-have, and deal breakers. Know your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage before serious searching.

Set Your Priorities:
  • Number of bedrooms & bathrooms
  • Outdoor space / lot size
  • Proximity to work, schools, transit
  • Layout and age of home
Get Financially Prepared
  • Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?
  • What’s your price range?
  • How much do you have saved for a down payment?
  • Have you budgeted for closing costs?
  • Do you have emergency savings in place?

Ready to take the next step toward your dream home? Use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to discover what’s comfortably within your reach—and move forward with clarity and confidence.




Checklist 2: Interior & Exterior Features to Evaluate Before You Buy

Whether touring in person or virtually, use this checklist to assess condition, layout, and long-term livability.

Interior

Doors & Windows

  • Windows: single pane/thermopane
  • Door locks/latches work: yes/no
  • General window condition: good/moderate/poor

Kitchen

  • General size/colours
  • Island or prep space: yes/no
  • Countertop material & condition
  • Pantry/storage space: yes/no
  • Sink: single/double
  • Appliances included: yes/no

Family/Living Room

  • Fireplace: yes/no
  • Separate dining room: yes/no
  • Living room floor type/condition
  • Flooring type & condition
  • Wall & ceiling condition (cracks, stains): good/moderate/poor

Bathrooms and Bedrooms

  • Number of bedrooms & bathrooms
  • Closet space: adequate/limited
  • Bathroom ventilation (fan/window): yes/no
  • Signs of moisture or damage: yes/no
Exterior

Lot Details

  • Lot size/shape
  • Landscaping condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Driveway: private/shared
  • Mature trees, shrubs, etc: yes/no
  • Walkways condition & safety: good/moderate/poor

Structure Details

  • Number of stories: 1/2/3/4
  • Type of home
  • Condition of siding & paint: good/moderate/poor
  • Parking: uncovered/one paid space/ two paid spaces
  • Patio/deck: good/moderate/poor
  • Type of foundation: raised well above ground/visible cracks
  • Swimming pool: above/below/indoor/outdoor/none
  • General pool condition: good/moderate/poor
  • General roof condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Eaves troughs and downspouts: good/moderate/poor
  • Fenced backyard: yes/no
  • Fenced front yard: yes/no

Wondering which interior and exterior features are must-haves? Let Carol Bass help you refine your checklist and find the right home—faster and with confidence.

Ready to See What Fits Your Budget? Explore Carol Bass’s featured listings to understand price ranges and plan your home-buying budget.

  • Featured Listing 2210 - 15 Queens Quay E Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    2210 - 15 Queens Quay E
    11Toronto
    $2,590/MO Read More
  • Featured Listing 6 Duffin Drive Whitchurch-Stouffville Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    6 Duffin Drive
    33Whitchurch-Stouffville
    $3,375/MO Read More
  • Featured Listing 34 Dorcot Avenue Toronto Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    34 Dorcot Avenue
    32Toronto
    $928,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 5193 Aurora Road Whitchurch-Stouffville Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    5193 Aurora Road
    42Whitchurch-Stouffville
    $999,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 152 Olde Bayview Avenue Richmond Hill Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    152 Olde Bayview Avenue
    4 + 15Richmond Hill
    $2,749,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 145 Old Surrey Lane Richmond Hill Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    145 Old Surrey Lane
    44Richmond Hill
    $1,500,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 18381 McCowan Road East Gwillimbury Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    18381 McCowan Road
    2 + 24East Gwillimbury
    $2,000,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing Upper - 160 Welland Avenue St. Catharines Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    Upper - 160 Welland Avenue
    21St. Catharines
    $1,700/MO Read More
  • Featured Listing 42 Reesorville Road Markham Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    42 Reesorville Road
    44Markham
    $1,448,800 Read More
  • Featured Listing 27 Pugsley Avenue Richmond Hill Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    27 Pugsley Avenue
    3 + 14Richmond Hill
    $1,168,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 411 Hoover Park Drive Whitchurch-Stouffville Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    411 Hoover Park Drive
    4 + 25Whitchurch-Stouffville
    $1,499,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 40 Covington Crescent Whitchurch-Stouffville Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    40 Covington Crescent
    23Whitchurch-Stouffville
    $769,000 Read More
  • Featured Listing 69 - 39 Camelot Way Markham Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    69 - 39 Camelot Way
    32Markham
    $728,800 Read More
  • Featured Listing 206135 Sykes Street Meaford Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    206135 Sykes Street
    3 + 12Meaford
    $3,200/MO Read More
  • Featured Listing 90 Black Maple Crescent Vaughan Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    90 Black Maple Crescent
    11Vaughan
    $1,600/MO Read More
  • Featured Listing 20 Jasmine Crescent Whitchurch-Stouffville Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    20 Jasmine Crescent
    32Whitchurch-Stouffville
    $1,138,800 Read More
  • Featured Listing basement - 63 Hillview Drive Newmarket Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    basement - 63 Hillview Drive
    11Newmarket
    $1,600/MO Read More
  • Featured Listing 227 Elgin Mills(MAIN FLOOR) Road Richmond Hill Ontario Canada Rent residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    227 Elgin Mills(MAIN FLOOR) Road
    32Richmond Hill
    $3,300/mo Read More
  • Featured Listing 905 - 31 Tippett Road Toronto Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    905 - 31 Tippett Road
    11Toronto
    $389,900 Read More
  • Featured Listing 872 Hilton Boulevard Newmarket Ontario Canada Sale residential Carol Bass RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage *
    872 Hilton Boulevard
    3 + 15Newmarket
    $1,339,000 Read More

Checklist 3: What to Look for in Home Systems

Use this checklist to spot potential issues and avoid costly surprises—whether touring in person or virtually.

Electrical System
  • Condition
  • Outlets adequate: yes/no
  • Wiring: aluminum/copper wiring
Water Service
  • Source: city/well
  • Pump age
  • Water agreement: yes/no
  • Water quality tested for potability: yes/no
Sewage/Septic System
  • Type: sewage/septic
  • Where’s septic field
  • Holding tank & system recently checked: yes/no
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Heating Type: oil/gas/electric/steam/baseboard/heat pump/combination
  • AC Type: window/central

Unsure how to prioritize critical home systems during your inspection? Carol Bass can help you identify red flags, refine your checklist, and avoid costly surprises.

 

Checklist 4: What To Look For In Neighborhood

Location is key when it comes to finding your dream home. The right location supports your lifestyle and long-term value.

Tips

Thoroughly explore the neighborhood by visiting at different times of day to get a true sense of its atmosphere and convenience. Research amenities, schools, transportation, and community events to ensure the location suits your lifestyle.

Stay ahead of the market—sign up for Neighborhood Buzzer to receive the latest listings in your preferred neighborhood.

Location
  • Nearby facilities
  • Parks, shopping & dining nearby
  • Commute & highway access
  • Close to work
  • Low Crime Rate
  • Schools & community centres
  • Places of worship
  • Fire department

Ready to Buy? Let's Discuss!

Have questions or just curious about the process? I'd love to chat and help you figure out your next step.

Have Questions?

House Hunting Checklist


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