When buying a house, everyone has priorities. The buying process is complex and takes time, and it’s easy to get off track. Having written priorities is a helpful way to help you through the task without forgetting most of the features that are important to you and your family.
Your realtor will also want to understand your prioritized list. Understanding which features mean the most can help eliminate houses that won’t do the job and compare the homes that will.
In this article, we’ll discuss about things to consider when buying a fresh house. Each will rank differently in importance for individual buyers, but all points are worth examining. If you haven’t already thought seriously about these factors, now could be your chance.
And, if you’re purchasing the home with ” special ” someone, talk it over to ensure you agree on the value of each feature. Let’s check it out.
Here’re important features to consider when buying a residence.
1. Location of the house
Location of the house, location location location
Buyers want to find a location that allows easy access to the places they frequent the most (work, school, shopping, recreation, host to worship, friends and family). Look for easy access to the primary roads and check traffic flow.
Checking this out before a purchase can assist in saving you from hassles stepping out of the neighborhood and onto the key thoroughfare or from an unreasonably long commute.
The location of the home within the neighborhood is also important to many people. Some people prefer a lot near to the main entry, while others like to be away from traffic and further into the development.
If there is a park, pool or recreation area, some owners would choose the closest available lot. Cul-de-sacs are well-liked by some, and some people like living on the primary boulevard. Discuss your requirements, and ask your realtor if certain lot locations bring a higher purchase price.
2. The size of the lot
The size of the lot, big great deal or small lot
Many people give little thought to the size of the lot the house sits on. In a neighborhood, the lot sizes might be fairly similar. Once you’re going to showings and looking at what’s available, you’ll soon find out if you have a clear preference of large or small, corner or interior.
Some lots are pie-shaped; some are rectangular, and some are irregular fit and healthy. Depending on the level of privacy, how you will use the lawn, and the length of the driveway, this may matter to you.
If there appears to be a question about where one lot ends, and another begins, check the lot description and dimensions with your realtor. If you discover a residence that includes two lots, think about the possibilities.
If the second lot is buildable, you should possibly add another building (extra garage, workshop, etc.) or you might split the property, build a second home and sell it, or sell the lot as is.
3. Number of bedrooms
Number of bedrooms, bedroom size
Each family will have an idea of how many bedrooms they would like. Most people will want at least two, of course, if there are children, the quantity increases.
Some families like their kids to share bedrooms, while others like separate bedrooms for every single to allow different bedtimes and study habits. When you have regular visitors for just about any length of time, it’s nice to have a bedroom that is designated as a guest room.
An extra bedroom often doubles as an office, den, kids’ playroom, or exercise room. Many hobbies can require working space and storage for supplies, and a supplementary bedroom serves this purpose well. Be cautious about your lifestyle and what will enhance it.
4. Number of bathrooms
Number of bathrooms, remodeled bathrooms
Decide ahead of your energy just how many bathrooms you prefer. Older homes might have merely one bathroom, and buyers will often look for ways to add another.
If there is only one bathroom, make certain you can live with that arrangement if remodeling isn’t feasible. Newer homes generally have several bathrooms, however some bathrooms might possibly not have a tub or shower.
The size and style of a bathroom are important as well. Do you want a bathtub or shower or both? Jacuzzi tubs are popular for relaxing, and many people prefer a shower stall for quick access. If you desire a handicap accessible bathroom, you can look for that, or a sizable bath that could be remodeled.
5. The Kitchen layout
Kitchen layout, Kitchen style
The kitchen truly seems to be the heart of the home. It is where great food is created for the family and friends who gather there. When guests arrive, they often end up chilling out in the kitchen, and because it’s a center of activity and entertainment, the scale and layout are essential.
Be clear on whether you need a huge gourmet kitchen with lots of counter space, sinks and storage or if a typical kitchen will suffice.
Each family has different ideas about cooking. There’s the person who said really the only reason there was a kitchen is because it came with the home! In that case, any kitchen would do.
Then, there’s the vegetarian who cooks daily and runs on the lot of fresh ingredients, or the quick cook who microwaves all the meals. Some individuals entertain a lot or have large families to feed. Whatever type of cooking you are into, your kitchen will require a close look.
If you have one person doing all the cooking for only two different people, a modest kitchen might be adequate. Parents who are teaching children to cook healthy meals might like more space. Whatever your requirements in the kitchen, jot them down and discuss them with your realtor so you’re looking to discover the best option for your family.
6. The age, style and condition of kitchen appliances
The age, style and condition of home appliances; new home appliances
Appliances are expensive to displace. Take the time to estimate age and condition of each. You may also have some strong preferences. For instance, you might enjoy cooking on a gas stove and dislike using a power range. For some people, these kind of distinctions can be deal breakers. If they are for you, let your realtor know.
A typical kitchen has many appliances. If there are any you can’t do without, check to see that your property provides that convenience or that there is room to add it later. Some are better to add than others (microwave compared to a dishwasher if space is restricted).
Check the washer, dryer, hot water heater and water softener as well as the furnace or boiler, air conditioning equipment and humidifier. If there are fireplaces or wood-stoves, it’s good to find out if indeed they have been maintained properly.
You can make an educated guess at age the appliances, along with your home inspector can report onto it later. When looking at a home, don’t assume that all appliances will remain with the home.
Check the property listing to see that are part of the purchase and which are not. If almost all of the appliances and mechanical systems appear dated, you should be aware of replacement costs.
7. Age of the house
Age of the house, newer or older house
If you are only interested in new construction, this is irrelevant. However, if you are prepared to take a look at all houses in your price range that meet your basic requirements, you might see homes from several decades.
Older homes can have a character that appeals, plus they also can need more repairs and upgrades. Make sure you have the time, inclination and budget have fun with managing these projects.
Building codes change over the years, and it would be good to truly have a basic understanding of some of the more impactful variations when looking at homes built under a different group of rules.
Your realtor might have this knowledge or would know where to find the answers. If you’re buying certain vintage and style, you might already be aware of how homes were constructed at that point.
