When you are looking to buy a home, you will find that your dream house may not exist, or it may exist but may be more than you want to spend. Sometimes compromises may have to be made. So, it’s best to know what is most important to you and what you are least likely to compromise on.
Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying A Home
- Location, Location, Location – I know, this one is obvious, and you’ve heard it many times before. But it is extremely important. The location of your new home can’t be changed once you move in. You can change paint colors, but you can’t change your school district, for example.
- Size – How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Now, this could be a tricky question. Everyone would love their own bedroom and bathroom, but is that within your budget? Also, consider will guests be staying over often? If so, you may need a guest bedroom. If not, maybe a home office could double as a guest bedroom. The question is how many bedrooms and bathrooms you actually need.
- Floorplan – This one could get missed if you aren’t careful. As you are looking at houses, pay attention to the flow of the home. Will it work for your family? If you have young children, do you want an open floorplan so you can watch them easily? Do you have older family members that live with you that might need a private area of their own?
- Kitchen – Everyone loves the kitchen area! But, before you sign on the dotted line, make sure the kitchen if functional for you. How do you cook? Do you prefer a gas or electric stovetop? Does the refrigerator convey with the home? If you are bringing your own refrigerator, will it fit? Are the countertops a material that you feel comfortable maintaining?
- Windows/Lighting – Lighting in a room can truly “brighten” your day (excuse the pun). But it is true. Lighting can make your space, and mood, feel better. So, if you are someone that likes a lot of light in their home, look around and consider the time of day that you are touring the home. If you are touring in the afternoon, be sure and take note of the installed lighting and the affect it will give in the evenings – after the sun has set.
- Energy Efficiency – Speaking of windows, you don’t want to buy a home and find out that you are losing energy through your windows. So, review the home’s window energy ratings to ensure that they are efficient. Also, take a look at the appliances, the heating and cooling systems, and other energy sources to ensure they are energy efficient.
- Closet Space/Storage – So, you’ve bought your dream home, moved in, started unpacking, and then you realize you don’t have nearly enough space to put all your stuff. Don’t let this happen to you! As you’re touring the home, note how many closets and cabinets there are and how big they are. Don’t worry about the items in the closet (remember, if you buy the house those will leave with the current owner). Look past the items and look at the space, the shelves, and the number of closets/cabinets the home has.
- Outdoor Space – When looking to buy a home, you don’t want to only look at the house itself. You will want to look at the outdoor space that it offers. Do you want a big backyard? Do you want a pool? Or would you rather have a downtown loft with no outdoor space at all?
- Amenities/HOA – Many neighborhoods, townhomes, and condominium complexes offer amenities with an additional HOA fee. If this is the case, you will want to inquire as to what the fee is (monthly or annual) and what is included. Many include great amenities such as: neighborhood pool access and maintenance, common landscaping maintenance, gym access, etc.
- Future Lifestyle – This last one can be one of the most difficult to consider when buying a home. If you are searching for a home now, you want to consider your future lifestyle. For example, if you are a young couple just starting out, do you intend to grow your family in the home? If you will be “empty nesters” soon, do you need as much space as you currently have? Will you be caring for elderly parents in your home in the future? These are questions to ask yourself now – prior to this exciting new purchase.
?Bonus? – Hire a Qualified and Experienced REALTOR® – This is a Bonus tip to consider when buying a home, but it probably should be at the top of the list. An experienced REALTOR® can help you look for all of the above (and many items that aren’t listed here), plus they represent you throughout the entire purchase process.
As you tour homes, I hope you will keep these top 10 things to consider when buying a home in mind. Again, you may have to give and take on a few details, but if you know what is most important to you when you begin your search, then the hunt for your perfect home can run smoothly.
And, if you would like to chat with a qualified and experienced REALTOR®, I would love to hear from you. Please give me a call at 512-771-7082 or simply Contact Me via my website and I will be in touch soon.