Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make and it may be the single most expensive purchase you ever make, too. This means you need to be absolutely certain that the property you want to purchase is the one that’s right for you. Otherwise, you may find yourself looking to sell your home within a few years. That’s why you need to have a list of what you absolutely must have in a home before you start shopping. Here are some of the things you should consider when shopping for a house.
Location
This is perhaps the most important thing to consider. Are you going to be happy with where your home is located? There are a number of things to look at when evaluating the property’s location. First, what is the neighborhood like? If you hear about crimes occurring in the area with any regularity, it may not be a place you want to raise your family. Second, how far is it from your job and your spouse’s job? If you’re looking at increasing your commute, remember that you’ll have to add time before and after work and you’ll be using more fuel.
Third, if you have children, your location will determine which school they go to. If there’s a specific school you want your kids to attend, you’ll need to keep that in mind when looking for real estate. Fourth, if you’re a light sleeper, you may not want to buy a home that sits near a major street. The constant traffic may keep you awake.
State of the House
No one wants to purchase a home that needs a good amount of work unless that’s what you’re specifically looking for. Some people approach the Marshall White Real Estate Agency looking for a great house that needs some love and care. Others, though, want to find a home that’s in good condition so they can move in without doing any repairs. You’ll want to check over the entire property to make certain everything meets your standards. You’ll also want to have a professional appraise the home and provide you with a report on anything that was found to be in disrepair.
The Size
Are you a newlywed couple looking for your starter home or are you a family with several children? Your family size often dictates the size of your home. The more children you have, the more bedrooms you may need. The same is true if you have an older family member living with you. When considering size, you also need to think about the future. If you were just married, you may think a smaller house is fine, but if you decide to start a family, it suddenly may become too cramped.
Other things can determine your size needs. If you want to start a home-based business, you may want a house that has space for an office. If you love working on cars, you might need a large garage. If you have a dog, you need a big backyard. There are many things you have to consider when looking at homes. It can help to make a list of what you must have in your new house so you make sure each property you consider meets all of your needs.