There’s a feeling in the air right now across Durham Region, Northumberland County, and the East GTA.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re probably hearing that the market has changed and it’s true.
For the first time in years, buyers finally have some negotiating power.

But with that opportunity comes a new responsibility:
Making smart choices that will protect you now and years down the road.

We are Mark and Lorraine Prata from Team Prata Real Estate, and today we want to share a few things we have learned from walking hundreds of families through this journey.
These are the red flags we coach our buyers to watch for, and they can make all the difference between a good buy and a regret later.

The Heating System Matters More Than You Think

When you walk into a beautiful home, it is easy to get swept up by the big windows, the fresh paint, the feeling of “this could be it.”
But one of the first questions we always ask is:
How is this home heated?

In urban parts of Durham, you will usually find natural gas. It is affordable, efficient, and familiar.
Once you move out into Northumberland County or the rural pockets of Durham, propane becomes more common. It is reliable but can be pricey depending on the house and the tank setup.

Electric heat, especially old baseboard systems, tends to mean higher monthly bills. And if you come across oil heating, it is a signal to dig deeper. Oil can be costly, messy, and often needs updating.

When you are budgeting, those heating costs add up fast.
The right system makes a home comfortable and affordable. The wrong one can quietly drain your wallet and turn into a sticking point if you ever need to sell.

A Beautiful Home on a Busy Street Can Still Be a Hard Sell

We have seen it so many times.
You find a gorgeous home that checks all your boxes, but it is sitting right on a busy street.

At first, it might not seem like a big deal.
You tell yourself you will get used to the traffic, or you will plant some trees, or the price is just too good to pass up.

But over time, busy streets can wear on you.
And when it is time to sell, it is often harder to find buyers willing to overlook the noise and lack of privacy.

If you picture yourself pulling into your driveway and breathing a sigh of relief at the end of the day, a quieter street might matter more than you realize.

Layouts You Love and Layouts You Will Regret

Paint colors can be changed. Floors can be updated.
But the way a home flows, that is much harder to fix.

When we walk homes with our clients, we always remind them to trust their instincts.
If the layout feels awkward, chopped up, or confusing, it probably is. And no amount of fancy countertops or trendy lighting can make up for a home that just does not feel good to move through.

Think about how you live day to day.
Where will the kids drop their backpacks?
Can you easily get from the kitchen to the backyard for summer barbecues?
Is there enough space where it matters most?

Good flow matters more than finishes. Always.

Two Bedrooms or One Bathroom? Know What You Are Signing Up For

Smaller homes can be charming.
They can also be limiting.

A two-bedroom or one-bathroom home might be perfect for where you are right now.
But if you plan to grow your family, have guests over often, or sell within a few years, having that extra bedroom or bathroom could make a big difference.

Most buyers in our area are looking for three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Buying a smaller home means your pool of future buyers will be smaller as well, which could make it harder to sell or maximize your return.

Adding a bathroom is often possible, especially if there is an unfinished basement.
Adding a bedroom is much tougher and usually requires major renovations.

We are not saying smaller homes are a bad idea.
We are just saying to look a little further down the road and make sure the home will grow with you.

Our Best Advice: Buy the Right Home, Not Just Any Home

Right now, there are great opportunities out there.
Homes that would have sparked bidding wars two years ago are sitting a little longer.
Sellers are more open to negotiation.
And if you find the right property, you could be setting yourself up beautifully for the next chapter of your life.

But buying smart means slowing down.
It means looking past the staged dining table and the trendy light fixtures.
It means thinking about your whole future, not just your move-in date.

And you do not have to do it alone.

If You Are Thinking About Buying, Let’s Talk

We are Mark and Lorraine Prata from Team Prata Real Estate.
We live here, we work here, and we have helped hundreds of families buy homes that did not just look good on paper but felt like home for years to come.

If you are thinking about buying in Durham Region, Northumberland County, or the East GTA, we would love to be your guide.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real conversations to help you make the right move, the right way.

Reach out for a free consultation anytime.
We will help you spot the red flags, find the hidden gems, and walk into your new home with total confidence.

Team Prata — Here when you are ready to make your move.