When it comes time to buying the house of your dreams, your judgment may be clouded by the anticipation that comes with owning your own home. Instead of renting and having a landlord to answer to, you are going to be the one in complete control. Read on to learn about some things you can look for before purchasing your new home.
The following tips are just guidelines. Your Realtor will steer you through the whole process and make suggestions along the way.
1. Knowing If the Roof Needs Repair
Before going inside of the home, look carefully at the roof. What does it look like? Are there shingles missing or areas where the roof is different colors indicating a previous repair? If you look up and notice something isn’t right, it could end up costing you a fortune later. Newer roofs mean you might get a better rate on your insurance policy. Sturdy roofs can help to protect against the elements.
2. Look Beyond the Paint on the Walls
When you walk into a potential home, you want to focus on more than just how nice the walls are painted. Look at the structural element in the home. Are there any loose wires? How old are the appliances? Does the deck look and feel solid? Remember to check for cracks in the foundation.
3. Note the Temperature of the Home
When you are looking to buy a home, you need to bear a couple things in mind. Is it a comfortable temperature inside the home? How does the outside HVAC unit look – is it rusty? The HVAC system is one that is often costly to replace. If the unit isn’t efficient, it will cause your utility bills to soar. You want a heating and air unit that is in good shape and current on all maintenance or repairs.
4. Determine What the Deal Breakers Are
Apart from the basics like room size and location, think about some of the basic requirements related to your individual lifestyle. Do you need more storage? More yard space? More bathrooms? Talk to your real estate professional about the absolute must-have’s.
5. Look at the Land
Beyond looking at the building, you want to look at the land that the house sits on. You don’t want to be somewhere that is prone to floods or an area where on-street parking is a problem. Is the driveway wide enough or long enough for the cars you have? Does the lot slope towards or away from the home in the front and the back? Take it all in. You can’t ignore the property where the house sits when it comes to finalizing the deal. Thankfully, a trained real estate agent can ensure you are getting just what you need in your new home.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions. If you have any questions about your specific real estate search feel free to contact Amy at 919-818-5001 or Contact Amy here.
