Buying your first home can be exciting and exhausting. You’ve scrolled the listings, raced to open homes, and been told a dozen times to “look past the paint colour.” But what really matters?
Here are five things most first-home buyers miss and why paying attention to them can save you money, stress, and regrets.
1. The stuff behind the walls
A fresh coat of paint might make a home feel tidy, but what about the insulation, wiring, or plumbing?
Don’t be fooled by surface fixes. Make sure the important (and expensive) stuff has been done right.
2. Heating that works efficiently
A heat pump is great. A heat pump plus insulation and properly sealed windows is better. Check for a healthy homes
standard or ask about heating bills in winter. Warmth is non-negotiable. .
3. Quality of renovation (not just that it’s renovated)
Not all renovations are equal. Who did the work? Was it consented? Were shortcuts taken?
Look for workmanship, attention to detail, and transparency, not just shiny finishes.
4. Practical layout & flow
It might look great in the photos, but will the layout work for your daily life?
Think about light, movement between rooms, and how you’ll actually use the space day to day.
5. Documentation you can trust
Ask for the builder’s report, EQC history, LIM, and consent paperwork.
If the seller can’t provide it, that’s a red flag. You deserve to know exactly what you’re buying especially with older homes.
A better first home starts here
At White Sparrow Homes, we restore homes with real care, so you can move in knowing everything’s been done right. Warm, dry, up to code, and backed by full documentation.
If you’re tired of bidding wars, questionable renos, and homes that still need work, you’re in the right place.