Buyer guide · 02 / 04
Finding the right home
Location, condition & long-term fit.
Look beyond the photographs to compare homes with purpose.
Build a focused shortlist
Make the search work around your priorities.
Use your goals and preferred areas to narrow the search. Ask Kenneth about relevant opportunities and how he would help you decide which homes deserve a closer look.
- Compare each listing with the same needs list.
- Record questions before a viewing.
- Ask about other opportunities that may suit your criteria.
Look beyond the finishes
Consider layout, condition, and everyday practicality.
The guide highlights condition, layout, location, future resale considerations, and renovation potential. Use viewings to identify questions, not to replace a professional inspection.
- Does the layout support your everyday routines?
- What maintenance or renovation questions need expert review?
- Are cosmetic features distracting from a less flexible issue, such as location?
Understand the neighbourhood
Explore what surrounds the property.
Discuss schools, transit, amenities, and development relevant to the locations you are considering. Think about both your current needs and what may matter to a future buyer.
- Explore the area at times that matter to your routine.
- Identify community features you want to investigate further.
- Ask what planned changes need confirmation.
Compare value thoughtfully
Use evidence alongside your first impression.
The guide distinguishes asking prices from comparable sold properties. A discussion of recent sales, condition, and local competition can help you ask better questions about a listing.
- Ask which sold homes are genuinely comparable.
- Compare the property’s strengths and trade-offs.
- Pause before letting an emotional first impression decide for you.
Searching in Markham
Markham is a city of distinct pockets. Established areas such as Unionville sit next to planned communities like Cornell, Cathedraltown and Wismer Commons, and executive streets in Angus Glen. Prices, lot sizes and housing types change from one to the next. The Markham neighbourhood guides compare them.
Schools. Public schools in Markham are run by the York Region District School Board, and Catholic schools by the York Catholic District School Board. Use the board's school locator for the exact address, because boundaries in growing areas change and some programs have their own boundaries.
Transit and commute. The GO Stouffville line stops at Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, Viva rapid transit runs along Highway 7, and Highways 404 and 407 cross the city. Test your commute at rush hour before you commit.
Resale details. In Markham some buyers pay attention to the house number, lot shape and the direction a home faces. Even if these do not matter to you, they can affect how quickly a home sells when you move on.
Before your next conversation
A short checklist to help you prepare. Your ticks stay on this page until you leave or refresh.
Common questions
How do I check which school a Markham home is zoned for?
Enter the exact address in the York Region District School Board or York Catholic District School Board school locator, and call the school if a program matters to you. Do not rely on a listing's school list, because boundaries change.
What is the difference between a freehold and a condo townhouse?
With a freehold townhouse you own the house and the land and pay no monthly condo fees. With a condo townhouse you own the unit, share common areas and pay monthly fees, and you should review the condo's status certificate before your offer becomes firm.
What should I look for at a showing?
Look past the staging and furniture. Check the roof, windows, furnace and air conditioner ages, signs of water in the basement, the lot and drainage, and noise from nearby roads. Note how the layout works for daily life.
How do I hear about new Markham listings quickly?
Sign up for listing alerts. New homes that match your areas, price and type arrive by email, so you can book showings early.
Ready to start looking?
Get new Markham and GTA listings by email, or book a short call to talk through your budget, timing and the areas you are considering.
Adapted from the RE/MAX Realtron Buyer Guide, August 2026, printed pages 6–10. This overview is for planning; confirm property-specific, financing, and legal questions with the appropriate professionals.