When you’re buying a home — whether it’s your first home in Burlington or a luxury estate in Oakville — one thing separates smart buyers from costly mistakes: the right questions. Homes can feel emotional, but the process should never be blind. Listings only show the glossy side; your questions reveal the true story.
After walking hundreds of homes across the GTA, here are the critical areas every buyer must investigate, what to ask, and why they matter.
1. Condition & Maintenance (The Questions That Reveal Expensive Problems)
Older areas like South Burlington (Longmoor, Shoreacres, Roseland) and Old Oakville often have aging systems and hidden issues. Ask:
- How old are the roof, HVAC system, windows, and major components?
Aging systems can cost thousands to replace. - Were renovations done with permits?
Especially important in areas like Bronte, Old Oakville, Southeast Oakville with multiple remodels.
Open permits = expensive headaches. - Any history of water issues?
Flood-prone pockets in both Oakville and Burlington mean you must ask:
“Has the basement had moisture? Any waterproofing done? Are there sewer backup valves?”
This single category alone can save you massive surprise repair bills.
2. Luxury Homes: Don’t Get Distracted by the “Wow”
In high-end neighbourhoods (Morrison, Shoreacres, Joshua Creek), buyers often focus on the glam — wine rooms, steam showers, designer finishes.
Always ask:
- Who is the builder?
- What’s the insulation, drainage, and mechanical quality behind the finishes?
Luxury features mean nothing without solid construction.
3. Outdoor & Seasonal Systems (Often Missed, Always Expensive)
In winter, you can’t see pools, sprinklers, or exterior systems.
Ask:
- Is there a recent pool closing report or inspection?
- Are there warranties on the pool heater, liner, or pump?
- Was the irrigation system winterized professionally? Any broken zones?
Repairs here can cost thousands — and buyers often forget to ask.
4. Seller Motivation & Timing (Without Crossing Privacy Lines)
Instead of asking “Why are they selling?” ask:
- What is the seller’s ideal closing date?
- Have they purchased another home?
- Do they prefer a clean, firm offer?
In places like Glen Abbey or Millcroft, these answers often reveal the seller’s urgency — giving you leverage.
5. Seller Disclosures & Documents (If You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get)
Ask directly:
- Are there any disclosures, pre-listing inspections, receipts, or permits available?
Ontario sellers must disclose latent defects, but many won’t volunteer extra documents unless you request them.
6. Monthly Operating Costs (Most Buyers Forget This)
Ask:
- What are the average utility bills?
Older insulation in Burlington or larger luxury homes in Oakville can dramatically change your long-term costs.
7. Neighbourhood Insights & Future Changes
This is where local knowledge matters.
Ask:
- What’s traffic like during school hours?
- Any upcoming developments nearby?
Examples: - Kerr Village intensification
- Plains Road redevelopment
- Train noise in Bronte
These can shape your day-to-day life and future property value.
8. Market Context & Offer Strategy
Your agent should check:
- Recent comparable sales
- Days on market
- Price reductions
- Past offers
But you should ask the listing agent:
- Are there any current offers?
- Are you expecting more?
This sets up your strategy.
9. The One Bonus Tip That Saves Buyers Thousands
After each showing, record a video on your phone. Capture:
- What you liked
- What concerned you
- Noises, smells, cracks
After 3–4 showings, details blur. Your video becomes your memory — and helps you compare homes clearly.
The Missing Question Most Buyers NEVER Ask (The One That Saves Thousands):
“Is there anything about the home that isn’t obvious during a short showing that I should know?”
This open-ended question encourages sellers and agents to disclose things they didn’t think to mention — noise issues, past work, quirks, seasonal problems.
Pre-Construction 24 7 