How do you choose between two Markham homes listed at the same price?When two Markham homes cost the same, compare what you cannot easily change first: the lot, the street, the commute and the school. Then compare what will cost money soon, such as the roof, furnace, windows and any renovation you would want. Finally, compare monthly costs, including property tax, utilities and any condo or road fees. A home that needs $60,000 of work in the next five years is not the same price as one that does not. A simple scorecard helps keep the decision clear.
It happens often: two homes, same price, both on the short list. One has the better kitchen, the other has the better street. Deciding by feel alone can lead to regret.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, uses a side-by-side comparison with buyers, so the choice is based on what matters most to their family.
Start with what you cannot change
- Location and street: traffic, noise, what the home backs onto.
- Lot: size, shape, usable yard and sun exposure.
- School zone: confirm boundaries with the school board.
- Commute: time it at rush hour, not on a Sunday.
You can renovate a kitchen. You cannot move a house away from a busy road.
Then look at the layout
Ask whether the layout works for the next five to ten years. Count bedrooms on one floor, check for a main-floor office or bedroom, look at storage and the garage, and think about whether a basement could add living space. A smaller home with a smarter layout can live larger.
Compare condition and future costs
| Item | Home A | Home B |
|---|---|---|
| Roof age | ||
| Furnace and air conditioner age | ||
| Windows | ||
| Kitchen and bathrooms | ||
| Basement and moisture | ||
| Estimated work in the next five years |
Ask the sellers for ages and receipts, and use a home inspection to confirm. See the aging-home buyer’s guide for items that affect insurance.
Stuck between two homes?
Michael John Lau can build a side-by-side comparison with recent sales and future costs.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Compare monthly costs
| Monthly cost | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Property tax | Ask for the actual bill; Markham’s 2026 residential rate is 0.722889% of the assessed value |
| Utilities | Ask for 12 months of gas, hydro and water bills |
| Condo or road fees | Townhomes on shared roads often have monthly fees |
| Insurance | Older wiring, oil tanks or flood history can raise premiums |
| Commute | Gas, parking or transit costs |
Think about resale
Ask how each home would sell in five years. Homes on quiet streets with practical layouts tend to attract more buyers. Unusual layouts, busy roads or over-personalized renovations can narrow the buyer pool. Recent sales of similar homes nearby show how buyers value these differences.
Questions to ask about both homes
- Why are the sellers moving, and how flexible is their closing date?
- What has been replaced or upgraded, and when? Are there receipts and permits?
- Has the basement ever had water?
- What are the average monthly utility bills?
- Are there any rentals, such as a water heater or furnace, that transfer with the home?
- How long has each home been on the market, and has it been listed before?
The answers often explain why two homes at the same price are not really the same.
Use a simple scorecard
- List your top five priorities and give each a weight.
- Score each home from 1 to 5 on each priority.
- Add the cost of work you would need to do to each home’s price.
- Compare the adjusted price and the total score.
- Sleep on it, then visit your top choice again.
When the numbers are close
If the scores are close, go with the home you can afford comfortably and that has the better location. Price is rarely the only difference between two homes at the same price. With Markham homes averaging 98% of list price in September 2026, there may also be room to negotiate on the home that needs more work. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you choose.
Two homes can have the same price and very different costs. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between two houses?
Compare location, lot and commute first, then condition and future costs, then monthly costs and resale.
Should I pick the better house or the better location?
Location usually matters more over time, because you can improve a house but not its location.
How do I compare future repair costs?
Ask for the ages of the roof, furnace and windows, and use a home inspection to estimate work in the next five years.
Should I compare property taxes between two homes?
Yes. Taxes are based on the assessed value, not the price, so two homes at the same price can have different tax bills.
Does a renovated home always cost less in the long run?
Not always. Check the quality of the work and whether permits were closed.
Can I negotiate more on a home that needs work?
Often. Markham homes averaged 98% of list price in September 2026, so many sellers expect some negotiation.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. The tax rate is from the City of Markham (2026). Sale-to-list figures are from TRREB Market Watch (September 2026). This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
