For most people, buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions they'll ever make. Beyond the considerations of price, financing, and the down payment, it's important to carefully assess your potential new home to make sure it's the right fit for you and your needs.

We've prepared this handy list to help you in your search for a new home.

Get a Second Opinion

If you see a house that you really like, that's wonderful! But before you commit to anything, go home and wait at least 24 hours before making any decisions. If you still feel good about the house, ask a friend or family member to come with you to look at the house again to make sure there's nothing you've missed or overlooked in your excitement.

Make a Checklist

Beyond the obvious things that you'll be looking for like the size of the house, the number of bedrooms, whether or not you want a garage, and the location, it's a good idea to have a brief checklist. This list can include:

• Checking the flow. Walk through the house and see how well the spaces "flow" together as you move. Also, walk through all of the exterior doors to get an idea of what life will be like if you actually live there.
• The size of the rooms. Remember, an empty room will look and feel much bigger than it will when it's decorated and furnished. Make sure the rooms have the right size for your needs and taste, neither too big nor too small.
• The grade of the property. Be sure to walk around the perimeter of the house to get an idea of the grade (steepness/angle of the land). Get an idea of what it will be like to bring in groceries or other items up your walkway and what it feels like to stroll around your backyard.
• The level of lighting. The amount and kind of light in your home will have a huge impact on how comfortable it feels living in it. Make a note of where the windows are placed, how large they are, and the amount of natural light they'll let in during different seasons of the year. Also, check the light fixtures in places like stairways, pantries, and basements.

Be Ready Before You Start Looking

There are some key elements of buying a new home that you should prepare before you even start to look at new homes. These include:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage.
• Determine your down payment.
• Clean up/improve your credit score.
• Find a real estate agent you trust.
• Know your budget.

Know What to Look For When Inspecting a House

It's easy to fall in love with a house based on its location and design. But before you can buy a home, it must be inspected. Instead of relying solely on a professional inspector, it's a good idea to follow along and know what to look for to understand the integrity of the property.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has a really thorough new home checklist to help you know what to look for, including:

• The condition of the brickwork/chimney.
• The condition of the flooring.
• The condition of decks, porches, balconies, and verandas.
• The condition of the heating/cooling systems.
• The condition of the plumbing and sewage systems.
• The condition of the electrical systems/wiring.
• The condition of the appliances.
• The condition of the roof.

Remember to ensure the house meets the standards of your complete home safety checklist, too. Especially if you have children, this is of the utmost importance. 

Don't Forget the Basics

Another great tool to assess whether a new home is right for you is to bring along a checklist of the basics. Yes, most people assess potential houses according to these criteria automatically, but having a checklist gives you a way to rate each home by features such as:

• Location. Yes, it really is one of the most important factors.
• View. More than just the beautiful vistas in the distance, make sure that the home has the right view of your neighbour's properties as well.
• Neighbourhood. A good neighbourhood is a community. Look for attractive amenities like walking paths, parks, schools, shops, and health care facilities.
• Curb Appeal. A term referring to how your home looks and feels from the outside. A painted exterior might be beautiful but consider how often you'll need to repaint it. Give each house a once over, looking at it as a whole.
• Floor Plan. Consider each potential home not just for the amenities and features it has now, but also how these will fit into your life in the future. If your family is growing, be sure to buy a house that can meet those future needs.

Give a Brand-New Home Time to Settle

Even if you're buying a brand new house built with the latest techniques and materials, remember that not everything is going to be perfect right away. Even the best-built homes need time to "settle." Wood will expand and shrink based on temperature, and you should always be prepared for little issues that will need addressing. Fortunately, new homes are backed by a new home warranty that allows you peace of mind. 

Remember, it's always best to go slow, and carefully consider your decisions before taking the plunge and buying a new house. Use checklists to make sure you don't miss anything, and bring along a trusted friend or family member to help you with objective advice. When you know exactly what to look for, you'll be sure to find a new place that's flawless in your eyes.

Photo credits: young couple, couple looking at house, standing in room