There are so many things to think about when you are buying a new condo in Toronto: financing, what you want in your dream condo, which neighbourhood to live in. You can get all sorts of information about all those issues, but one trick that is both handy and easy for new condo buyers is to try mentally living in a place.

Make an imaginary trip home with bags of groceries. Where will you park? Or what TTC stop do you have to walk from? Or where do you have to walk from, period? Do you have to carry the load up stairs? Do you have to go through the living room? Is there a counter right next to the refrigerator for unloading?

Picture having company over. Is there a good-sized space to accommodate the amount of people you might want to entertain? Is that important to you? What about outdoor living space for summer parties? Is the space usable as is, or are drastic renovations required?

What about the future? The efficiency of a compact kitchen may be great, but will you need room for a highchair someday? If yes, are you willing to move between now and when you have children? What about an emergency trip to the toilet; how much opportunity for damage will they have along the way? For instance, if your potential new condo has wall-to-wall beige carpet, are you willing to change it?

If you have an infant, you probably sleep with bedroom doors open so you’re within earshot. Give some thought to the future, though. In a year or two you’ll want more privacy and quiet. Look for buffers between bedrooms. It’s particularly important that the master bedroom is separated by a zone of closets, stairwell, hall or, at least, by bathrooms. And someday that infant will be a teenager and will want the privacy just as much as you do!

Depending on your lifestyle, you may value a deadened livingroom, out of the traffic pattern. Such a room has a chance of staying neat, and offers relaxation and quiet. Other families, though, may prefer a central great room, with lots of activity and constant traffic through to the kitchen, office or bedrooms. Before you buy, analyze which suits your temperament best.

When children are little, parents like a living room adjoining the kitchen, so they can watch toddlers while they whip up dinner. But your needs will change. By the time your 12-year-old takes up the drums, you’ll wish he could practice down the hall, down the stairs and across the street. Does this condo lend itself to both options?

It’s great to fall in love — with the big windows and the view, the location and easy commute. Someday, though, you’ll be glad you stepped back and took the time to visualize the condo mentally. It doesn’t take long and it could save you a lot of long-term grief.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information

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