Emotion plays a huge role in the home-hunting process.  That’s not always a bad thing, because you need to feel comfortable with your choice.  Sometimes however it can lead to a bad decision or paying too much.  To help you make a reasoned, logical decision:

• Keep notes about the pros and cons of each property you visit using the Home viewing checklist (PDF) (Don't rely on your memory – digital cameras can be a big help here).  Don’t rely on your memory
• Don’t rely on just one visit.  Visit the property at various times during the day and week to check on things like noise, neighbours and sun that may not be apparent when you first visited.

Some key questions to ask yourself:

• Can I really afford it?  (See our Affordability section)
• How well does the property meet your total requirements and how does it compare with other properties you’ve seen?  (Compare your Home viewing checklist (PDF) against your What do you want in a home? checklist (PDF) to help you assess this)
• Have you done an initial home inspection and has this revealed anything that may rule the home out as a possible purchase? (Use our Home inspection checklist (PDF) to help). 

Above all, take your time.  Don’t be rushed into a purchase you may regret later.  Remember, there is always another home.  In the end, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the home and it suits your own personal style.

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