CANADA'S population is becoming increasingly diverse in nearly every region of the country.
According to the 2006 Census, an average of about 240,000 newcomers arrive in Canada each year. For many, finding a safe, affordable place to live can be one of the most immediate challenges. To help Canada's newcomers make the best decisions for their families, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. offers the following tips on what to look for when buying or renting a new home:
Try to be as flexible as possible, especially when choosing your first home.
Housing in Canada can vary greatly between different provinces and territories, cities, communities and even neighbourhoods. Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend, how many rooms you will need, where you'd like to live and what type of housing will help your family feel most at home.
Be prepared to adapt to Canadian housing customs and practices.
For example, Canadians consider a family with three or four children to be quite large, so finding a home with three or more bedrooms can be difficult. You may have to accept a smaller place or less central location until you can find what you really want. Or consider a temporary measure such as using bunk beds so small children can comfortably share a room.
Chances are that the first place you live in Canada will be rented.
If you are renting, find out exactly what the rent will include. If you use a rental locator, check their reputation with the local Better Business Bureau.
Remember that while the rent may be higher in central areas, these neighbourhoods also often offer greater access to work, shopping, recreation and public transportation.
Use several different search methods to find your new home.
For example, ask relatives or friends who already live in the area for help or advice.
Search the classified ads of ethnic, community or daily newspapers. Check bulletin boards in grocery stores, laundromats, health clinics, thrift stores, libraries, community centres, places of worship and service clubs.
If you're buying a home, make sure you have the right team of professionals on your side.
You will likely want to hire an appraiser and home inspector to get a better idea of the condition of a home and how much it is worth. You will also need a lawyer to help protect your interests.
In addition, if you need to arrange for a mortgage, you will probably need to find a lender or mortgage broker who can help you buy your home.
Before you begin searching for a home, learn more about the housing market.
Figure out how much house you can realistically afford. And ask a lender or mortgage broker in advance how large a mortgage loan you will qualify for.
For more information on housing in Canada or to receive a free electronic copy of The Newcomer's Guide To Canadian Housing in either English or French, visit www.cmhc.ca or Call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.
-- Canwest News Service
