Reading a Home Listing!

There are several places where you read home listings and for people who are new to the country, this is not the easiest thing to get around. While browsing through the newspapers, home magazines or on the Internet, you will come across several listings with fancy terms which I try to explain in this piece. I hope it will help in understanding the listings better.

1. Lot Size - This tells you the size of the plot of land that the house is built on

2. Storeys - The number of levels of the house. These are normally not more than three, though, there could be a few that are more than three storeys.

3. Back Split - Here again, as the name suggests, the back of the house has split levels and the front of the house has a single level. Therefore you can have up to a five level back split house.

4. Basement - All houses in Canada have basements. Basements can have finished walls and floors or unfinished walls and floors. Basements can also be used as apartments if they have separate entrances and work as source of income. Some people also use their basements as game rooms. It is always good to buy a house with a finished basement as this can save money.

5. All Elfs - This is an acronym for All Electric Light Fixtures

6. Shingles - This relates to the roof of the house

7. Broadloom - Carpeted flooring in that particular room

8. Hardwood - Refers to hardwood flooring

9. Bathrooms - These can be 2pc, 3pc, 4pc or 5pc and they can also be en suite. An en suite bathroom means that it is within a room. A 2pc has a toilet and washbasin, a 3pc has a shower stall, a 4pc has a bathtub and shower while a 5pc also has a bidet

10. Appliances - Most houses come with fridges, stoves, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. These are the basic appliances that are available to all. In some houses, you may get additional appliances too.

11. Garages and Parking - Parking spaces could be on the driveway or in the garage. Normally a two garage parking can accommodate up to four cars. Two in the garage and two out on the drive way.

12. Backyard - Depending on the size of the lot, the backyard may have a garden or a plain lawn with patio furniture.