What To Watch Out For When Buying A Home
INTRO
If you are thinking of buying a home there are many things you need to look for. With your home being one of the biggest if not the biggest investment you’ll make, it’s important to watch out for these items.
REPORT
There are many things to consider when you are purchasing besides the obvious, how many bedrooms, is the kitchen large enough, etc. This report will go over some off the less obvious things. This way you can be even more confident when you do purchase your home you’ve covered all your angles.
Location– You might be in love with the look of house, or the size of the bedrooms, but don’t forget about the surroundings. Take a look at the area, are you close to schools, are you close to work, is there a lot of noise or traffic? All these are very important factors, where you can remodel a bedroom, you can’t change your neighbor so easily. Even if the house seems like a dream home, do your research on the area and make sure it matches up to home.
Situation Factors– Beyond look at just the home itself and the location, look a little closer. Check out the lot, is it on a hill, do the neighbors windows look right into your house? Is the yard enough for your needs? You might have elderly family members visiting often and there a few steps to your front door which would make it hard for them to enter. These little things can add up so pay attention to small details.
Check Out The Neighborhood– Beyond just looking at where school, your work or shopping are from your home, check out the neighborhood for yourself. Drive around both on both the weekend and weekdays. Check out the other homes in the neighborhood, are they are in good condition, does it seem that the owners care about their homes? Is it safe for kids to play? Just like with the location, once you move in you can’t change your neighborhood.
Size And Floor Plan– There might something about a home you are looking at that you’ve fallen in love with, but ask yourself are some of these things impractical? Make sure the size what you need. If it’s too big for your needs, remember you will have to pay higher power bills and property taxes. Or if you really like to entertain it has enough room to accommodate all your guests.
Rooms– Before you even start look at homes make a plan of exactly what you are looking in terms of the rooms in your home. For example with bedrooms, figure out exactly how many you’d need, there is no sense in checking out a home that has less then you need, but it might have something else that you really like. All it will do is cloud your judgment. Same thing goes for the kitchen, in many homes the kitchen is the center of the home, make sure it has the size and shape you need. Don’t worry about the appliances they are a lot easier and cheaper to replace then to completely remodel a kitchen.
Finishing Touches– These items are the most over looked when someone is buying a home. They might seem small like moldings, roofs, or a fireplace. A roof for example is something people don’t think about, but is very important. A leaky roof can cause of damage and be very expensive to replace.
If you have any questions about what to look for, or would like to be referred to some of the best real estate agents in your area just contact us and we’ll be glad to help.
