Buying a house in London Ontario is about more than the number of bedrooms, the size of the backyard and whether you like the kitchen. There are 3 things that come up over and over again when I am searching for homes with my clients in London.
Some features may seem relatively minor during a showing but can become a regular source of frustration once you own the home. Here are three potentially annoying things to investigate before buying a house in London, Ontario.
1. A shared driveway
A shared driveway is not automatically a reason to avoid a house, especially in some of London’s older neighbourhoods where homes were built closer together. However, you should understand exactly how the driveway works before submitting an offer.
Important questions include:
• Who legally owns the driveway?
• Does the property have a registered right-of-way or easement?
• Who is responsible for snow removal and maintenance?
• Can both homeowners access their parking without blocking each other?
• Have the current owners experienced any disagreements?
The arrangement may work perfectly with a cooperative neighbour. Problems can arise when someone regularly blocks access, refuses to contribute to maintenance or has a different understanding of how the driveway should be used.
Ask your real estate lawyer to review any registered easements or rights-of-way. A survey may also help clarify the property boundaries and how the driveway is shared.
2. Electric baseboard heating
Electric baseboard heating can provide simple, room-by-room temperature control, but it may be more expensive to operate than some other heating systems.
Before buying the home, request copies of the seller’s recent electricity bills rather than relying on a general estimate. The actual cost can depend on the home’s size, insulation, windows, thermostat settings and the habits of the occupants.
You should also check:
• Whether the entire house uses electric baseboards
• Whether there is another heat source, such as a heat pump
• How well the home is insulated
• Whether furniture placement will interfere with the heaters
• What it could cost to upgrade the heating system
Baseboard heating does not necessarily make a property a bad purchase. You simply want to understand the likely operating costs and whether the system fits your budget and lifestyle.
3. Bad neighbours
You can renovate a kitchen, replace a furnace and repaint an entire house. Changing the people living next door is much more difficult.
A showing offers only a brief look at the neighbourhood, so visit the property more than once if you are seriously considering it. Try visiting during the day, in the evening and on a weekend.
Pay attention to:
• Excessive noise or frequent parties
• Poorly maintained neighbouring properties
• Loose or frequently barking dogs
• Vehicles blocking shared access
• Ongoing construction or unusual activity
• The general condition of the surrounding street
You can also ask the seller questions, speak with nearby residents and look at publicly available information about the area. Be respectful and avoid making assumptions, but do enough research to understand what living there may actually feel like.
Look beyond the finishes
It is easy to focus on attractive staging, new flooring and updated countertops when touring a house. Some of the details that affect your daily life, however, are not as visually exciting.
A shared driveway, electric baseboard heating or a difficult neighbour may not eliminate a home from consideration. The important thing is knowing about the issue before you buy so you can make an informed decision.
Thinking about buying a home in London, Ontario? I can help you evaluate the property, investigate potential concerns and find a home that fits both your budget and lifestyle.
Contact me to start your search or view the newest homes for sale in London.
Phil Bailey
London Ontario Realtor®
HouseSigma Inc. Brokerage
Looking for an experienced Realtor in London, Ontario?
Phil Bailey is a London Ontario Realtor® with HouseSigma Inc. Brokerage. Licensed since 2015, Phil has helped buyers and sellers throughout London and the surrounding area and has earned more than 100 five-star Google reviews.
Learn more about working with Phil or contact him for help buying or selling a home in London, Ontario.