Top Things To Consider When Buying A Home
Buying a home is not an easy task. It can be nerve-wracking to put together the finances, deal with brokers and search the market for the perfect place. It’s no wonder that so many people are now choosing to rent instead of buying!
However, it has its rewards too – owning your own home is probably one of the most rewarding things you can ever do in your life. It’s a big step and you need to be ready for it.
So, if you have finally decided that the time is right for you to stop renting and buy a place of your own – here are some top tips that will help you get going:
Location
Whether you are looking for a starter home or your dream house, you need to make sure it is in a place that will make you happy. Sure, a place in the city center is going to be more expensive, but you need to consider whether it’s really worth it. Do you want a house in the suburbs with big gardens and lots of room for kids? Is there a particular school district you are concerned about? You need to consider these things carefully when looking at different locations.
Location is everything. If the house you are looking at is in an area which you aren’t familiar with, make sure you spend some time there before making up your mind. Otherwise you may miss something very important.
Size Of Property
When you’re looking for your first home, size is probably the last thing on your mind. After all, it’s not like you will have a big family to fill up all that space! But with children comes toys and clutter, then more stuff when they are teenagers – before you know it, things can get very cramped in your home if you haven’t planned properly.
So, when you are looking at different properties, try to picture it with a family in. Will the space be enough for everyone? Are there enough bedrooms? How about bathrooms? If you think that your needs will outgrow your house in a few years time – buy something slightly bigger right now.
Price
The price is obviously the most important thing when buying your home. You should always remember that you are taking on a big financial commitment, so never overstretch yourself just to buy something bigger or better than you can actually afford.
When looking at different properties, don’t forget to take a look at the price. If a real estate agent is taking you around showing you homes, they will probably show you more expensive properties first and save the worst until last. Don’t fall for this, as it can end up putting you in an awkward position with your loved ones. Make sure you know exactly what you can afford, before you start looking at different homes.
There are many factors to consider when buying a home – but by planning ahead and considering these tips carefully, you should be able to avoid any pitfalls and get your new place up and running in no time!
Condition Of The House
You should check wiring, plumbing and insulation to make sure there are no problems which could become expensive down the line. Have a professional inspector go over the home and give you a report on what needs fixing. If there has already been an inspection completed by the seller, ask about the problems that were found and then have your own inspector go over it.
Do a walk-through of the home with an inspector. They will advise you on what needs immediate attention, what can wait until later, and what you might be able to fix yourself to save money.
Check all the windows and doors for proper operation, then get on your roof to see if there are any water leaks that have damaged the inside ceiling. Also check the gutters to be sure they are directing rain away from the house.
Homeownership Costs
You may also want to do some research on the average utility bills in your area. When you actually move in, you should probably set aside a bit of money every month for utilities.
When you are looking at different properties, take into account all of the expenses that will come with it. You should have an idea what your monthly costs are – whether that is what you are currently paying for rent, or an estimate of the new costs associated with homeownership. Even little costs like water bills should be considered, as it adds up over time.
Lifestyle Considerations
If you have a big family, then it might be good to buy something that will give them space to grow. If you’re living by yourself and sharing an apartment with friends, look for one bedroom places which are easier on your budget.
Don’t forget to take your lifestyle into account when looking at different properties. There is no point in buying a huge house if you are living by yourself – but it’s also not necessary to get something super-small just because you have two people in the home. It’s a balance between comfort and affordability.
What Is A Home Inspection And Why Should You Get One?
If you are looking at different properties, then it is extremely important that you have a professional inspector look over the home before you buy. A home inspection will tell you about any problems with the house and can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!
A home inspection expert will check wiring, plumbing and insulation for any issues. They will look on your roof for signs of water damage, check out the gutters and even inspect your appliances. If there are problems, an inspector can tell you how serious they are and whether or not they can be fixed easily without too much cost.
A home inspection is a great way to ensure that you know exactly what state your new property is in. By doing a walk-through with an inspector, you can get a good idea of what needs attention and what might be able to wait until later.
Get an inspection to find out about any problems with the property before buying it .
You may also want to do some research on the average utility bills in your area. When you actually move in, you should probably set aside a bit of money every month for utilities.
When you are looking at different properties, take into account all of the expenses that will come with it. You should have an idea what your monthly costs are – whether that is what you are currently paying for rent, or an estimate of the new costs associated with homeownership. Even little costs like water bills should be considered, as it adds up over time.
CONCLUSION
When buying a new home, it’s important to make sure you choose the right real estate agency for your needs. Tunnera Real Estate is a full-service real estate agency providing assistance with all stages of the real estate process: including property management, virtual staging, home inspection, home preparation, and representing home buyers, home sellers, and first time home buyers.
