Find the Right House

YOU’VE IDENTIFIED the neighborhoods you like and listed the features you want in a new home to suit your family’s needs. How do you go about finding and buying the house? The most effective way is to work with a series of professionals: financing specialists, a real estate agent, home inspector and lawyer and, if necessary. a renovator and contractor. If you take advantage of all these resources, you’ll benefit from the professionals’ expertise to smooth the way for you.

Choosing a School

Most school boards and schools now have websites where you can check on programs, courses, extracurricular activities, statistics, staff, school successes, field trips, etc.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO be sure that the neighborhood they are considering has schools that suit the needs of their particular children. How do you find out if the schools in the area in which you’re interested are suitable? You could talk with people whose children attend the schools in the neighborhood where you’re considering moving.

But Janet Dalzell, a retired Toronto vice-principal, has a better idea: “Most school boards and schools now have websites where you can check on programs, courses, extracurricular activities, statistics, staff, school successes, field trips. etc. This can help a family decide if a school is big enough, small enough, academic enough, athletic enough, varied enough.”

She adds, “They might be looking for special programs, such as French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, Elite Athletics, or a strong Special Education department for kids with learning disabilities. They might want a school with a special focus on music or drama or art.”

“A good school is one that meets the needs of a particular child educationally, socially and emotionally,” Janet says. “Don’t judge by whether the building is modern and clean or old and stately. The architecture is unimportant, although facilities like a technical shop or swimming pool might be Important to some.”

“And please don’t visit a school unannounced,” adds Janet. “Nobody appreciates unexpected visitors. We want to be courteous and welcoming, but it’s an imposition in a highly scheduled day. Schools are wary of trespassers and intruders, so walking through or loitering in schoolyards is not advised.”