Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer on a House in Ontario

An offer is a legal commitment, so the questions you ask before you submit one matter far more than the offer price alone. This checklist is written for Ontario buyers, including those shopping in London and the surrounding area.

Questions about your finances

• What is my real budget? Get a mortgage pre-approval first, and ask what your down payment must be. Our guide to down payments and CMHC insurance explains the tiers.
• What are my closing costs? Land transfer tax is a big one; see our Ontario land transfer tax guide.
• Do I qualify for any programs? Review the first-time buyer programs before you commit.
• Where does my deposit come from? The deposit is paid with your offer and held in trust under the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Know how quickly you can access those funds.

Questions about the home

• Why is the seller moving? Your REALTOR® can often find out what the seller’s timelines look like, which can inform your offer.
• What has been updated, and is there documentation? Ask for receipts or permits for major work such as a roof, furnace, windows or an addition.
• What is included in the sale? Appliances, window coverings and fixtures should be listed clearly in the agreement.
• What will property tax be? See our London property tax guide for how bills work.
• What is the neighbourhood like? Spend time there at different hours and read our London community guides.

Questions about conditions

Many buyers add conditions to an offer, such as financing, a home inspection or, for a condo, a review of the status certificate. We will not guess at the mechanics here, because they depend on the specific forms used. What we can say is that conditions and irrevocable deadlines are set in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale; ask your lawyer to explain them before you sign.

The home inspection

An inspection helps you understand the condition of a home before you are fully committed. Ask your REALTOR® about including one and how to choose an inspector, and decide in advance how you will handle what the report finds.

The status certificate for condos

If you are buying a condominium, ask about the status certificate. It tells you about the condo corporation’s finances, rules and any issues, and your lawyer will review it. Also ask about monthly condo fees and what they include.

Questions for your lawyer

Your lawyer handles the legal side of closing in Ontario. Before you make an offer, ask:

• Can you review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale before I sign?
• What closing costs and adjustments should I expect?
• Are there any title, survey or zoning concerns I should know about?
• What happens if my closing date or financing changes?

Questions for your REALTOR®

• How should I think about price, based on recent comparable sales?
• What do you recommend for conditions and the closing date?
• What does your service agreement with me cover, including how you are paid?

For market context, ask us what is happening in London right now, or look at what your own home might fetch with a free home valuation if you plan to sell first. Our buyer hub has more guidance, and you can contact the team any time.

Putting your list together

Print this checklist and bring it to your next showing or meeting with your REALTOR®. Write answers next to each item, and note anything you do not understand so you can ask your lawyer. It is much easier to adjust your plan before you submit an offer than after, and a calm, prepared buyer almost always makes better decisions. If you feel rushed, that is a signal to slow down and ask more questions. We are always happy to walk through your list with you, whether you are buying your first home or your fifth.

This is general information, not legal advice.