Home Buying Tips: What to look for in your future home
One positive aspect of our current economic recession is the record low interest rates offered for homes. If you are a prospective and able buyer, now is the time to take advantage of these low rates and invest in a home. However, buying a home is an involved process, with many factors to consider ensuring you make the wisest investment.
It is important to determine the qualities you desire in your future home and to you prepare your finances for a smart sale. The following includes a list of helpful tips to distinguish what features to consider when purchasing a home, along with suggestions regarding financial preparation.
What to Look for in a Home
Location, Location, Location:
Think about the activities you enjoy doing, your lifestyle and places you frequent. If you like the outdoors, you may want to consider a home near parks and nature. Do you like to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a city? Look for homes situated near the downtown or main drag of a town with walkable distance to local shops and eateries. Dread a long commute? Find a home close to work or with easy access to public transportation. If you have children, research the best schools in your desired area.
Also, look at the house’s immediate location. Begin with the neighborhood; does it have charm? Take a look too see if the neighbors keep up their lawns and home exteriors. Is the neighborhood safe for children to play, and people to walk and bike? Observe how the house is situated on the lot. Check to see if there is noise from neighbors and if their windows look directly into yours. If you have children, pets, like to garden, etc. look for a yard suitable for these needs. Does the home have a view? Is there easy access to the property such as a driveway and stairs?
The Space:
When it comes to your future home, the actual space is one of the most important elements to consider. Think realistically about the amount of space that would be suitable for your needs, like the number of bathrooms, bedrooms and storage space for example. Keep your future needs in mind too; will your family be growing? A home with more space is always more costly to heat and cool, as well as higher taxes on a larger home.
Take a look at the main points of a house: the kitchen, closets, windows/lighting and finishing touches.
Kitchen- if you are on a strict budget, it is important to find a home with an up-to-date kitchen to your liking because kitchen remodeling can prove to be fairly expensive.
Storage Space and Closets- evaluate all of your items that you will be bringing to your new home, and let that be your guide when looking at a home’s storage space. Older homes typically have smaller closets and less storage whereas newer homes generally have more.
Windows and Lighting- when examining the lighting in a prospective home, think first about what you prefer: privacy or natural light? Keep light and sunshine in mind. Notice where electrical outlets are located and if it will accommodate your lighting needs. Also keep the nice lighting touches in mind such as: recessed lighting in the kitchen, cove lighting in the family room and a chandelier or cool fixture in the dining room.
Finishing Touches- these add the charm or character to a home. Does your prospective home have crown molding, baseboards, hardware, a fireplace and up-to-date appliances?
These are all important elements to consider when purchasing a home—one that will fit the specific needs of you and your family.