Ready to Buy a Home? Consider these 8 Things First

“Home is the largest item, people will ever purchase. Because it’s such a large investment, it’s a good idea to educate yourself.”


Things to Consider When Buying a Home

It doesn’t matter what the house’s curb appeal is if it has structural issues. It doesn’t matter how cheap it is if it needs a lot of money to repairs. Take a close look at the paint jobs and finishes. Are they high quality? Has someone paid attention to the details?

You should pay attention to the location
It may be the perfect house, but if your new home will require you to make a long commute, you may want to reconsider. Pay attention to the distance between the home and amenities like work, school, shopping, health care and parks.

You should consider the resale value of the home
The location is one factor that can have an effect on the resale value of your home. But there are other things to consider. Does the house have a great layout? Does the home have three or more bedrooms? More than one bath? Plenty of closet space? Garages and big backyards are also helpful when it comes time to sell. Good school districts and low taxes are other assets to look for.

You should consider the cost of maintenance of your new home
Pay attention to the heating and cooling systems for the house and be sure to consider the average estimated costs for them. Those vaulted ceilings waste a lot of energy! What types of appliances are in the home and are they energy efficient? Buying a home that has good energy conservation measures in place can help you save money.

You should consider energy efficiency when buying a new home
Pay attention to the heating and cooling systems for the house and be sure to consider the average estimated costs for them. Those vaulted ceilings waste a lot of energy! What types of appliances are in the home and are they energy efficient? Buying a home that has good energy conservation measures in place can help you save money.

You should consider the landscape
Well placed deciduous trees can provide shade during hot summers and help you keep you cool in the summer and when the leaves are gone, they can let the sun warm you in the winter. An ample lawn gives room for the kids to play and to entertain. If you’ve always wanted a garden, make sure the new home has a yard big enough for one.

You shouldn’t feel rushed into making a decision
On House Hunters, the buyers only look at three houses. You should take the time to look at a LOT of houses before you make a decision. It will give you a better sense of what the housing market is like in your community and help you understand what you can afford. Realtors like to push you into making decisions quickly. It is their job to sell. But there are plenty of homes on the market and you have time to find the one just right for you.

You shouldn’t buy more expensive home than you can’t afford
You should have a budget and know exactly what you can comfortably afford. If you want to be smart about borrowing for your home, this amount will be less than what the bank says you can afford. Stick to your guns. If you want to keep your debt in check, think smarter and smaller.
When buying a home, it’s all too easy to get wrapped up in what the home looks like and “feels” like. Those things are just cosmetic and can be fixed with small investments over time. Consider them, but don’t forget all of the other things that really make a house a home. Your home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Make it a good one.

Comments