What to Look For When Buying a Home
Choosing a house is, of course, a highly personal decision. As you consider the many elements of a property, assess their relevance to your demands and then choose which are negotiable and which are a deal-breaker. If you haven’t already, you should figure out how much house you can afford and what neighborhood and school district you want to reside in before you start looking at properties.
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The top ten factors to consider when viewing properties are listed below.
- House Size. When you’re looking at homes, think about the number of rooms you want and how much space you need. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, including how many you’ll want in your future plans. Larger homes are typically more expensive, so you may want to consider a smaller house if you’re looking for a bargain. And if you’re planning to have kids, you may want to consider a house with extra space for a growing family.
- Architecture/Style. This is not a deal-breaker for everyone, but for some buyers, the aesthetic quality of a house is important. Some homes just feel good and are architecturally pleasing to look at. You may like a colonial style, others a mid-century modern, and others something more contemporary.
- Neighborhood. The area you live in can make a huge difference in the quality of your day-to-day life. You may want to live in a neighborhood that’s close to shopping, close to work, or close to family. If you’re thinking about raising a family, it’s important to be in a good school district.
- Home Features. This is an important consideration. Things like a large kitchen, a deck, a finished basement, a heated swimming pool, a playhouse, or a detached garage are nice to have. And if you’re someone who enjoys entertaining, you may want a dining room or a backyard large enough to host a barbecue.
- Condition. How old is the house, and what shape is it in? How old is the kitchen and the heating system? Is it in need of minor, major, or major remodeling?
- Heating And Cooling Systems. If you live in a place where it can get very hot or very cold, it’s important to have a heating and cooling system that is up to par. It’s worth talking to a professional to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
- Appliances. The appliances, such as the refrigerator, the oven, the dishwasher, and the stove, need to work well, and it’s a good idea to check them out before you buy.
- Garage. A garage can come in handy if you have a car or need a place to store your lawn equipment. A 1-car garage can be a bit limiting, but a 2-car garage is ideal.
- Basement. As a place to store things and hang out, the basement is a good feature. And if you don’t have one, you can always add one (and if you buy a house with a finished basement, you can use it as a bonus room).
- Outdoor Spaces. This is another major consideration to think about when evaluating a house. How big is the yard? Is it fenced and gated? And is there a deck, a patio, a pool, or a hot tub the house has to offer?
Final Thoughts
Buying a house should be an exciting and rewarding experience. But it takes some preparation and some legwork to ensure it goes smoothly. However, paying heed to these ten things before purchasing can make a difference between a satisfying and regrettable home purchase.
Contact Misty Garrison Today!
Misty Garrison is a home loan expert whose passion is for helping first-time and repeat homebuyers make their dreams come true. If you are ready to enjoy a smooth, easy loan process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Misty at (480) 618-5358 to schedule your consultation. Let’s get you into your Arizona home!
Do you know how much home you can afford?
Most people don’t... Find out in 10 minutes.
Today's Mortgage Rates
