What To Look For When Looking For A Home
Friday, March 20, 2020, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
When you are looking for a new home, the process can be exciting and fun.
However, with the endless options out there in today’s market and the amount of paperwork you will need to go over, buying a house can also be a stressful and somewhat daunting experience.
The dread of having to go through the many preparations while looking for a home can be overwhelming. That is exactly why you will need a checklist for your house hunting process; it is bound to make your life a whole lot easier.
If you want to navigate through the house hunting experience with zero worries, we have got you covered with a checklist that covers everything you need to look for when you are on the hunt for a new home.
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Check If The Roof Needs Repairs
Before walking into the home you plan on purchasing, take a look at the roof and observe it carefully. Repairing a roof can be one of the most expensive tasks you will be doing when you are remodeling, which is why it would be best to avoid ending up with an old roof. Make sure you ask the homeowner or agent about the roof’s age. Check if the roof looks relatively new or if it seems to be caving in, and check if the roof has missing or curled shingles.
An old roof, however, is not always a bad thing to have in your property. Some old and sturdy roofs can withstand harsh winds and rain, making them a lifetime investment.
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Evaluate The Location
It is crucial to evaluate the location of your new home and see for yourself if it suits your preferences and lifestyle. You can basically let go of a lot of imperfections in a house just for the sake of having a friendly neighborhood in the perfect location. Consider your potential home’s proximity to where you work and if the commute won’t be a hassle. Assess the traffic, your access to parks, and where the home is situated. Remember that you can change a lot of things about a home, but you can never change its location.
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Get to Know The Neighborhood
After observing the house’s location, start to get to know the neighborhood. Figure out if it meets your expectations or not and if it is worth the money you will be spending on the purchase. In small towns, most neighborhoods are usually quieter and allow you to live a life that is calm and relaxing. If you live in Idaho, check out these homes for sale in Meridian from Stewart Realty and remember that your peace of mind should be your number one priority. They say your best option would be to live in a small house in a friendly and cozy neighborhood.
Make sure you know exactly what you want; you might, for instance, be on the look of a place with a great view. Others might prioritize the sense of community and go for homes in friendly and small neighborhoods. To figure all that out, drive around the neighborhood on weekends to see for yourself.
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Decide How Many Bathrooms And Bedrooms You Need
Before you start house hunting, you need to be very clear on the number of bathrooms and bedrooms you will be needing in the future. Whether you have kids or plan on having any will definitely affect this decision. Try to only look at homes that fit your criteria, so you would not end up falling in love with a place that does not suit your lifestyle. If you find a small house you like, but plan on adding a room, make sure you consult an architect before you make the purchase.
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Check The Windows And Lighting
How you feel about your new home will greatly be determined by the windows and lighting in your home. A most homes’ appeal now has to do with the overall vibe and whether it is lively, vibrant, or bright. If you love bright and sunny rooms, then this should be on top of your list. It is best to look for a home that allows some sunlight in and incorporates the best location for electrical outlets and fixtures.
Also, the bigger the windows, the better. This basically means that your potential home will be brighter than ever, which is bound to have a positive impact on your productivity levels and mood. Keep these things in mind, so you don’t end up regretting having a dull and dark home.
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Take A Thorough Look At tThe Basement And The Attic
Most potential buyers often neglect this point; the entire house may impress and woo them so much that they forget to check these rooms. However, poking around the attic and basement is essential. If you end up finding any belongings in these rooms, it is right to request having them removed before your second viewing, especially if they are all piled up against the walls. That is because piling stuff against the walls might conceal certain water damages, leaks, discolored paint, and many other issues that will cause a huge hassle when you move in.
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Ask About The Heating/Cooling System’s Age
When you walk into your potential home, make sure you assess and feel its temperature. Much like the roof, repairing a heating or cooling system can be extremely expensive, so you will need to make sure it is in a relatively good condition. A furnace usually will have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, while an air conditioning system will have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years if serviced regularly. The best sellers out there will have stickers on the systems indicating the year they were purchased.
However, that is not always the case so you will need to ask some questions yourself. You can also find out yourself from the serial number of the system by looking at the first four digits.
Buying a house might just be the biggest purchase of your life, so make sure you choose carefully and that you are well prepared. A home’s appeal is relative, yet certain criteria should always be considered and kept in mind when you are on the lookout for a home. It may not be the easiest process in the world, but with a checklist and a few things in mind, it can certainly go a lot smoother.
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