STEP ONE: FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT
Before you go too far, go get a pen and paper and a notepad that you will keep throughout your home search. As you actually write the following criteria down, you will get very clear on the what, where, and why of your home search.
WHY: The first question to ask yourself is why do you want to buy a home: To stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house?
WHAT: Next, list what kind of home you'd like to have. Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home with less yard work or maybe an older one to fix up? Someday you or your heirs will want to sell. Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves." Look at this as your starting point. It is okay to modify things later. A good starting point is to take a look at our listings to see what is available in Chilliwack.
WHERE: Where would you like to live? Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighborhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighborhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work. Are you new to Chilliwack? Check out our Chilliwack page for maps and community information.
Go To Step Two...
