Here is a very simple tool to help you “clarify your ideas” before shopping for a property

1. Questionnaire to clarify your needs

A. Your general situation

1. Are you buying alone, as a couple, or with family?
2. Do you have children now or do you plan to have some in 5–10 years?
3. Do you prefer to stay in this housing for at least 5 years, or do you see this as a temporary solution?

B. Financial situation

1. Do you already have a mortgage pre-approval?

• Yes / No / In progress

1. Available down payment (approx.):

• Less than $20,000
• $20,000 – $50,000
• More than $50,000

1. Maximum monthly payment you would be comfortable with (all-inclusive: mortgage, taxes, heating, condo, etc.)?

C. Type of property

1. What type of property attracts you the most (you can check multiple)?

• Condo
• Townhouse
• Duplex/triplex (occupant + income)
• Detached single-family home
• Not sure yet

2. Do you prefer:

• Move-in ready property
• Property with minor renovations
• Property to renovate a lot (to pay less)

D. Location

1. Which cities/neighborhoods would you like to live in? (3 priorities)
2. Maximum acceptable distance from:

• Work/school: ___ minutes by car / public transit
• Important family/friends: ___ minutes

1. What are your “musts” in the area?

• Public transit
• Schools
• Parks
• Nearby shops
• Quiet / low traffic
• Other: __

E. Physical criteria of the dwelling

1. Minimum number of bedrooms:
2. Minimum number of bathrooms:
3. Parking:

• None / On-street only
• 1 parking space
• 2 parking spaces or more
• Garage required? Yes / No

1. Land / balcony:

• Balcony or terrace is sufficient
• Small lot
• Large lot is important

1. Do you have any special needs?

• Step-free access
• Possibility of teleworking (office)
• Intergenerational housing
• Pets / enclosed yard
• Other: __

F. Building / condominium (if condo)

1. Are you comfortable with monthly condo fees? Up to how much?
2. Are you sensitive to noise (building with multiple units)?
3. Are you willing to review:

• The financial statements of the condo corporation?
• The reserve fund and planned works (roof, elevators, etc.)?

G. Timeline

1. When would you ideally like to move in?

• Less than 3 months
• 3–6 months
• 6–12 months

1. Do you have a lease to honor or a property to sell before buying?

H. Your absolute priorities

1. If you had to choose, what matters most to you (rank 1 to 4):

• Price / low monthly payment
• Location / neighborhood
• Space (number of rooms, size)
• Condition of the property (renovated, modern)

1. Your 3 non-negotiable criteria:

• 1. ____
• 2. ____
• 3. ____

1. 3 things you would ideally like, but which are “bonus”:

• 1. ____
• 2. ____
• 3. ____

2. The role of the buyer’s agent who represents you

A buyer’s real estate agent (or “buyer’s agent”) works for you. Their main role:

• Analyze your needs with a questionnaire like this.
• Help you determine a realistic budget and guide you toward mortgage pre-approval.
• Select relevant properties according to your criteria and your financial capacity.
• Organize and accompany viewings, draw your attention to important points (overall condition, neighborhood, resale potential, etc.).
• Analyze the market (comps sold) to help you avoid overpaying.
• Draft and negotiate the offer (price, deadlines, conditions: inspection, financing, condo documents, etc.).
• Guide you through the legal steps up to the notary (documents, deadlines, conditions to be met).
• Protect you by highlighting potential risks (condo reserve fund, major planned works, history of claims, etc.).

Why sign an exclusive brokerage agreement with a buyer’s agent?

• They have a legal duty of loyalty to you: they must defend your interests.
• You have a clear strategy: criteria, budget, sectors, timeline.
• They can negotiate more firmly since the relationship is structured.
• You save time: they filter properties that don’t fit.
• Their services are often paid by the commission paid by the seller, according to the structure provided in the property listing (to confirm with them at the start).

You can print this questionnaire, answer it at your leisure, then share it with the buyer’s agent who will represent you. It will give them an excellent starting point to propose properties truly suited to your situation.