Purchasing a “Dream Home” is a life goal that practically everyone has on their wish list. We all want a home that feels like it was designed specifically for us. However, unlike any other real estate purchase, looking for your dream home has its own set of issues. You will want to look for a property that will keep you and your family happy for the long haul, as you will most likely be staying in it for the future. Don’t be scared to be choosy and wait until you locate the right place for you.
Here are the 5 Five important things to look for when purchasing a home.
The neighborhood and its surroundings
Keep in mind that your house isn’t isolated from the rest of the world. It’s part of a larger community where you will be spending your days. With this in mind, you must first find an area that matches your needs before purchasing. Do you want to be able to go for a morning stroll to a coffee shop or avoid having to deal with potentially noisy neighbors? Or is your ideal vacation one that combines the tranquility of a calm forest with the vitality of a bustling metropolis? Before anything else, the best thing you can do is to do your research early before you go on the search for whatever you want.
If possible, go for a drive or rent a vacation home in the area to ensure it feels right. Visit a neighboring park and eat at a nearby restaurant. When you find a location you like, inform your real estate agent and work fast because homes these days are going much quicker than in the past.
Location and size of the lot
The lot is sometimes an afterthought when buying a home, but it should be at the top of purchasers’ concerns. Buyers should be looking for a location that gives them quick access to the places they go to the most such as work, school, shopping, recreation, place of worship, friends, and family.
You should also check traffic flow and look for major routes with convenient access to major highways. You will save time and effort by checking this out before purchasing.
Consider the location and size of the lot before making an offer on a property. Many people seem to ignore the size of the land on which their house is constructed. The lot sizes in a neighborhood may be similar. You will quickly realize if you prefer large or little, corner or inside, once you start going to showings and looking at what is available.
Some lots are in the shape of pies, while others are rectangular or irregular. It may be necessary to you depending on your level of privacy, how you plan to use the lawn, and the driveway length. If you are unsure where one lot ends and another begins, consult your realtor about the lot description and dimensions.
Costs that are comfortable for you
This isn’t the most enjoyable aspect to consider, especially in comparison to upgrades and aesthetics. However, if you don’t consider the expense, your ideal home can be more of a source of stress than a source of relaxation.
Try not to push yourself to the limit of your financial resources. Keep in mind that there are additional expenses to consider in addition to the monthly mortgage payment. Keep local taxes, monthly utility expenditures, and association fees when buying a home. Have your realtor call the sellers after you put an offer on a home. They can request that they supply a breakdown of their typical monthly and annual payments.
Keep in mind that these prices will remain stable over time. If your cases change, such as retirement or an impending layoff, you will still need to account for them. Allow some wiggle room in your budget so you may enjoy your ideal house for many years to come.
Age of the house
When it comes to buying a home, age matters, particularly the one you have wanted. Older homes and newer homes can have benefits and disadvantages, so do your research before making an offer. If you are prepared to look at all homes in your price range that meet your basic needs, you can examine homes spanning different decades.
Although the elegance of older homes may appeal to you, they may require more maintenance and upgrades. Make sure you have the time, drive, and financial means to enjoy managing these projects.
On the other hand, is your perfect home as simple as turning the key in the front door? Do you wish you had a huge closet to store your bulky wardrobe and a luxurious master bath? In this case, new construction may be a better fit. If you can get in on the ground floor, you may be able to pick specific amenities and further customize the home as it is being built to your specifications.
Home amenities
Inside and outside the home, amenities such as flooring and kitchen appliance quality, lighting fixtures, bathroom finishes, and backyard elements are important.
Many appliances can be found in a typical kitchen. If there are any you can’t live without, see if the house has them or if there is enough room to add them later. Replacing appliances is costly. Take the time to calculate each appliance’s age and condition. Check the furnace or boiler, air conditioner, humidifier, washer, dryer, water heater, and water softener. If there are fireplaces or wood stoves, it’s essential to know if they have been appropriately maintained.
However, when looking at a house, don’t assume that all appliances will be included. Check the property listing to determine which items are included and which aren’t. If most appliances and mechanical systems appear outdated, you should be conscious of replacement prices.
Final Thought!
While searching for the perfect next house for your family, you will spend a lot of time and effort. Consult with your realtor, mortgage professional, and home inspector to help you along the journey.
