Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes When Buying a Home in Ottawa
Buying a home is exciting. But let’s be real: it can also be a little overwhelming. Between bidding wars, confusing paperwork, and wondering if you picked the right neighbourhood, it’s easy to feel unsure of your next step.
The good news is that most of the common mistakes Ottawa buyers make are entirely avoidable. With the right plan, mindset, and support system, you can shop with confidence and make decisions that work for your future.
Here are seven mistakes we see buyers make all the time, and how to avoid them.
1. Falling in love before getting pre-approved
It’s tempting. You spot the perfect listing online, imagine yourself sipping coffee in the kitchen, and maybe even book a showing. But if you are not pre-approved, you are not ready to compete—especially in Ottawa’s fast-moving market.
What to do instead:
Speak to a mortgage advisor early. A pre-approval helps you shop within your real budget and gives your offer more weight when the right home comes along.
2. Trying to time the market
Waiting for prices to drop can feel smart in theory. But in practice, no one knows exactly what the market will do next. Ottawa tends to be more stable than bigger cities, but trying to outguess the market can leave you stuck in limbo.
What to do instead:
Buy when you are ready. If you have the finances and the lifestyle to support a move, focus on finding a property that fits your long-term goals.
3. Ignoring the neighbourhood
You can upgrade a bathroom. You cannot upgrade a street, a school catchment, or your proximity to transit. Falling for a home without researching the neighbourhood is a common regret among buyers.
What to do instead:
Explore the area before making an offer. Visit at different times of day, check traffic flow, and think about what your everyday life would look like there.
4. Forgetting about additional costs
The down payment is not the whole story. Between closing costs, land transfer taxes, legal fees, and moving expenses, many buyers are caught off guard.
What to do instead:
Set aside one and a half to three percent of the purchase price for closing costs. This range varies based on your property type and purchase price, and our team can walk you through the full breakdown.
5. Skipping the home inspection
In a bidding war, it can feel tempting to waive conditions. But skipping a home inspection can cost you far more in surprise repairs or safety concerns.
What to do instead:
Talk to your real estate agent about options. In some cases, a pre-inspection or shorter condition period can strike the right balance between protection and competitiveness.
6. Getting emotionally attached too early
It happens to everyone, especially first-time buyers. But letting your emotions lead too early in the process can cloud your judgment and make it harder to walk away when you should.
What to do instead:
Stay open-minded and treat early showings as research. The right home will come along, and you will be in a better position to secure it when you are thinking clearly.
7. Choosing the wrong agent
Not all real estate agents are created equal. Some know Ottawa neighbourhoods inside and out. Some do not. Some offer full support, marketing strategy, and structure. Others work solo and wing it.
What to do instead:
Choose an agent or team with deep Ottawa experience and a strong support system. At New Purveyors, we combine local knowledge, smart systems, and a people-first approach to help you move forward with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With the right team on your side, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and move forward with confidence and clarity.
If you are thinking about buying in Ottawa, we would love to help you explore what is possible. Whether you are six months away or ready to start this week, we are here to support you with expert advice and zero pressure.
