Finding the right home is important for lifestyle comfort as well as budgeting of the mortgage and utilities, insurance, and maintenance. When shopping for a house, there are several important things to keep in mind beyond curb appeal or special features. Check out the following as you start browsing online ads or visiting local properties.
Location
Although you may want to live in a certain area, a real estate agent can explain some of the less-known facts about a neighborhood. Crime statistics, a school's reputation, and local amenities are helpful information that prospective buyers could look for but often don't. A pretty house in an area that is deteriorating could mean that the property will lose value in the near future. If you are looking for a quiet area, find out if a neighborhood of interest attracts families or singles.
Condition
Generally, it is a good idea to get an objective home inspection done for any house you are thinking of buying. You can probably spot major problems yourself, but a professional inspector can find less obvious issues like termites or interior wall mold. Find out about the high-cost aspects of the home, including the roof, electric, plumbing, HVAC, and foundation. While you might be prepared to make some key repairs, you don't want to get in over your head and spend thousands of dollars that you didn't budget for the new home's problems.
Size
Keep the size of home you want in mind while house shopping. Although you might need just a couple of bedrooms now, will that be adequate if your family grows? Do you plan to keep the house for a few years or decades? Similarly, a large house now to accommodate a couple of growing kids could be too big when the teens go off to college or start a career. Some home sizes are adjustable by converting a basement into a temporary bedroom, for example. Make sure the house you buy will fit your needs for the next few years.
Layout
Examine the layout to ensure it will work for your family. If you have an elderly relative staying with you, steep stairs leading to that person's bedroom is probably not a good idea. Safety features like handrails or a walk-in shower can be installed if necessary, but adapting the home's structure significantly could be costly.
Shopping for another house is exciting. But take time to perform due diligence to be sure you get a home that has what you want and need.
