Buying your first condo in West Toronto can be fearsome at first, but the process is a lot easier than you think. Your real estate agent, lawyer, and bank representatives can help guide you in buying the right condominium that suits your needs, so choose them wisely and don't be afraid to ask questions. Here are some tips to help you start your search and find your dream condominium.

1. Before you start looking for a condominium, make sure you have a list of your priorities. Consider  size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location, price, amenities, and how soon you want to move. Tell your agent about your criteria.

2. Know what you can afford, get pre-approved for your mortgage, and stick to your budget. Do not forget about closing costs.

3. Whether you're looking at model suites or resale condos, be aware of the staging that's been done to make the space more appealing. Try to imagine the place with your furniture and belongings.

4. Storage space may be very important when you're about to squeeze your whole life into 700 square feet, make sure that there's room for all your possessions.

5. Finding the right condo in West Toronto is like finding love. If it's meant to be, sparks will fly. If you haven’t found that dream condo after looking at 10 or so places, don't be disappointed, just keep on looking.

6. Parking can be an uncovered stall, a covered stall, indoors but unheated or indoors heated and secured. Its legal status can be either assigned common-area space, or legally-titled ownership. If it is assigned, it should be protected by a formal lease agreement. You should also find out if there is guest parking.

7. Heating is an important issue in condo buildings. In apartment condos it is usually central gas-fired hot-water heat, which means the cost is covered by your monthly condo fees. Learn about the condo's heating system and see if it works for you.

8. Renters will be found in any condo building. That’s good for your flexibility as an owner, but find out how many renters are in the building. If it’s primarily renters, this means that investors own the building and they may not share your standards of operation and maintenance. You may also find a less sense of community in the building.

9. Orientation of the condo is important if it’s an apartment facing only one direction, less so if it’s a townhouse or duplex bungalow condominium with more exposures. How much sun does the condo receive, and is that sun hitting your bedroom windows at 5:00 a.m. during the summer? You may prefer it, or you might hate it, so be aware of which way the condo faces and whether it will be bright enough, too hot, or too dark for your needs.

10. Construction of condominiums in West Toronto can vary dramatically. Remember, quality will be your best investment.

11. If something bothers you a little on the first sight, it'll bother you a lot when you live there. Think twice before you make the deal. Check all documentation carefully and make a wise decision.

If you take the above steps into consideration when you start your condo hunting, you're guaranteed to be on the right track to finding your dream condo. Remember, buying a condominium is not difficult if you do your research and consult with your real estate agent who specializes in West Toronto condo market.