What to Look for When Buying a Home

You want to find the perfect home. Of course, it’s natural to be picky. Many potential homeowners can be turned off by surface issues. There are things you can easily change, such as wall color or carpet, and others that you can’t. Instead of getting caught up on ugly bathroom walls, focus on aspects of the house that you wouldn’t be able to change, such as size, layout, or area.

It’s also essential to be able to recognize what you are and are not able to accomplish by yourself when it comes to repairs. If you see something you think may be manageable, talk with your real estate agent to get a better sense of what the actual cost would be.

Thinking about the outside of your home is just as important as thinking about the inside. Do you want a swimming pool and a lot of yard space? Maybe you have young children, so you’ll need a gated pool. Are you willing to compromise because you want a home in a big city? You might have to settle for less and trade off a shorter commute. Deciding what you want your potential yard to look like all depends on what your specific needs are.

Also, consider that the bigger the yard, the more upkeep is required. Whether it’s pulling weeds or mowing grass, you could find yourself overwhelmed every weekend and have less free time for friends and family. If you don’t want every weekend consumed by lawn maintenance, you may want to consider following the less is more philosophy.

In the pandemic, many employees have discovered their commute is a stroll down the hallway. In that case, this consideration won’t be as necessary, but there are many Americans who continue their daily drive to work. In fact, according to CNBC, the average commute to work in the U.S. is around 26 minutes. Maybe a longer commute is worth more privacy and more land? Others can’t wait to move into the big city. Think about where the neighborhood is respective to your job; depending on where you work, you may want to reconsider touring that home.

How much privacy does the home genuinely have? A great way to get a feeling for the home is to act like you already live there. Imagine yourself living in the house. Stand outside and listen to the environment. If you are bothered by road noise or sirens, you may want to look for a home outside the city.

If the home is experiencing pest problems, you may want to reconsider buying the house. Pest issues can be a sign of broader foundational concerns. Not only is it annoying, but it can be costly over time.

Different regions across the country offer unique challenges when it comes to pest control. In the Southwest, you may be facing pest problems you’re not accustomed to. Even if it isn’t required, you should strongly consider ordering a wood-destroying insect report. Pests such as termites can live in your walls for years before it’s too late. Make sure that your home is pest-free before you move. You don’t want to find out after moving in that the neighbors you should have been worrying about were wasps or mosquitos. Spotting issues before they happen will be instrumental if you don’t want to deal with problems down the line.

Understanding local weather is a must for particular home shoppers looking to escape the cold or heat. Consider what kind of weather you prefer when you are selecting a home. Would you swap hot sweltering summers for snow in the winter? How much rain do you want to enjoy a year? You will also be considering what is best for your family and making the best choice for them, so it’s always a great idea to include them in the decision.

The sellers are legally obligated to disclose any kind of issue with the property, including pest problems, flood damage, or other issues. Ask them, if you get the chance, about the property and how the home has treated them. You should be issued disclosures around the same time that you make an offer. If you expect the seller to take your offer seriously, you need to be pre-approved.

When you make the offer, it is best to know what kind of contingencies there are and how to protect your earnest deposit. It’s a great idea to discuss this with your realtor beforehand, and also have a plan for negotiations. Continue onto our next guide, which explains everything you need to know about negotiating your costs.