Bank And Credit Card Company
Any information that proceeds through your bank, such as accounts, loans, or lines of credit, will need to be updated with your new address. If you have bought a new home, then your mortgage will already have the address.
Local Registry
Known as Service Ontario in Ontario and by other names in other provinces, this is where you can update your driver’s license and health care cards. If you are moving to a new province, you will also need to get a new license plate.
Canada Post
Use Mail Forwarding to forward any personal or business mail from your old address to your new one so that you don’t miss any important information. This should be completed a few weeks before your moving date to ensure nothing gets missed.
Canada Revenue Agency
It is very easy to update your address online. Click here to change your address with the CRA and ensure your tax information is accurate.
Insurance Broker
All home or rental insurance will need to be updated to reflect your new address. You will also need to update your auto insurance so that your new address is printed on your card. You should know that insurance rates often change based on address.
Employer
If applicable, it is important to change your address for the purpose of tax information and your Employment Insurance.
Medical Personnel
Your doctor, dentist, and any other medical practitioners that you see will need to be updated with your new address. This also includes the veterinarian.
Memberships and Subscriptions
If you are a member of a place such as a gym, it will be necessary to change your address information.
Utilities
Assuming that you have not done so already, all utilities, including internet and TV, will need to be switched over to your new address.
Education Institutions
If you have children that will be attending the same school as before the move, you will need to notify their school that you have moved and provide your new address.
Community Engagement
Look for community spaces that actively engage with the surrounding neighbourhood and offer opportunities for residents to get involved and contribute to their community.
Local Registry
Known as Service Ontario in Ontario and by other names in other provinces, this is where you can update your driver’s license and health care cards. If you are moving to a new province, you will also need to get a new license plate.
Canada Post
Use Mail Forwarding to forward any personal or business mail from your old address to your new one so that you don’t miss any important information. This should be completed a few weeks before your moving date to ensure nothing gets missed.
Canada Revenue Agency
It is very easy to update your address online. Click here to change your address with the CRA and ensure your tax information is accurate.
Slow Down & Take Your Time
Buying a house is your biggest investment, so why wouldn’t you want to slow down and take your time when viewing a property? Our Influencers noted that often times, people miss details such as whether or not the garage is big enough, how much sun exposure the house gets during the daytime and what sorts of repair and maintenance is going to be required to maintain and upkeep the property (such as the size of the yard and the condition of the roof). Another important point to keep in mind is to check both the inside and the outside of the home.
Upgrades & Wants vs. Needs
Upgrades are a huge factor to keep in mind when shopping for your dream home. It is a lot easier (and cheaper!) to re-paint the walls or replace cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bathroom than it is to re-work the floor plan of the house.“Are the rooms big enough (with storage) to fit your belongings in? Will the property require any renovations or repairs to get it to the standard you want? Does it have everything you want, as well as what you need?” says Justin Havre & Associates, RE/MAX First, Calgary, AB.
Cosmetic upgrades can be easily done and are relatively low in cost, while major upgrades such as renovations or re-designing the floor plan can very quickly add up in cost.
Go Back and Take a Second Look
One of the most important things to remember is that it’s a good idea to go back and take a second look at a property you viewed and liked. There is a lot to take in when viewing a home, so revisiting the property and having another look around is always a good idea. It not only lets you get a second feel for the space, you might also notice something that you didn’t see before.
Start Your Search
“Clients often avoid asking their agent questions for fear of ‘bothering’ them. They need to know that they matter and that we are here to accompany them in their buying process, so that they know they aren’t out there on their own,” according to RE/MAX Select Properties in Vancouver, BC.
Your realtor’s top priority is to find you the perfect home and they will be with you every step of the way. Never feel that you are inconveniencing your realtor by asking them questions, they are there to support you and help you navigate through every step in the home buying process.
Slow Down & Take Your Time
Buying a house is your biggest investment, so why wouldn’t you want to slow down and take your time when viewing a property? Our Influencers noted that often times, people miss details such as whether or not the garage is big enough, how much sun exposure the house gets during the daytime and what sorts of repair and maintenance is going to be required to maintain and upkeep the property (such as the size of the yard and the condition of the roof). Another important point to keep in mind is to check both the inside and the outside of the home.
Upgrades & Wants vs. Needs
Upgrades are a huge factor to keep in mind when shopping for your dream home. It is a lot easier (and cheaper!) to re-paint the walls or replace cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bathroom than it is to re-work the floor plan of the house.“Are the rooms big enough (with storage) to fit your belongings in? Will the property require any renovations or repairs to get it to the standard you want? Does it have everything you want, as well as what you need?” says Justin Havre & Associates, RE/MAX First, Calgary, AB.
Cosmetic upgrades can be easily done and are relatively low in cost, while major upgrades such as renovations or re-designing the floor plan can very quickly add up in cost.