Looking for a new home as a first-time home buyer can be stressful. The purchasing procedure is lengthy and complicated, and it is easy to get off track. Setting priorities will help you navigate the process without missing essential aspects for you and your family.
Your realtor will want to know about your priority list as well. Understanding which qualities are most important will assist you in eliminating residences that will not work for you and comparing those that will.
Here is a list of 10 things you should look at when shopping around for homes as a first-time home buyer.
1. The Property’s Size
Many individuals overlook the size of the lot on which their home is built, and the lot sizes in a community may be pretty comparable. You’ll quickly notice if you have a distinct preference for large or tiny, corner or interior, once you start going to showings and looking at what’s available.
Some lots are formed like pies, while others are rectangular or irregular in shape. This may be important to you depending on your level of seclusion, how you plan to use the lawn and the driveway length.
2. Number of Bedrooms
Each family will have a preference on the number of bedrooms they require. Most individuals will desire at least two, and the number will increase if there are children.
Some families like their kids to share bedrooms, while others like separate bedrooms to accommodate different bedtimes and study habits. It’s ideal to have a separate guest room if you have regular visitors for an extended period.
3. Location of the House
Buyers seek to select a location that offers quick access to the areas they frequent the most (job, school, shopping, recreation, place of worship, friends and family) (work, school, shopping, entertainment, place of worship, friends and family). Examine the traffic flow and look for easy access to the main roadways.
Checking this out before buying will save you time and aggravation when getting out of the neighborhood and onto the main thoroughfare and an excessively long commute.
Some owners will choose the closest accessible property if a park, pool, or recreation facility is nearby. Cul-de-sacs are appreciated by some, whereas some individuals like living on the main boulevard. Talk about your preferences, and ask your agent if specific lot sites bring a higher buying price.
4. Number of Bathrooms
Each family will have a preference for the number of bedrooms. Most individuals will desire at least two, and the number will increase if there are children.
Some families prefer that their children share bedrooms, while others prefer having separate bedrooms to accommodate their children’s varying bedtimes and study habits. It’s convenient to have a separate guest room if you have regular visitors for an extended period.
5. The Seller’s Motivation to Sell
This is something that is easy to ignore when you are a first-time home buyer but is essential to find out. The seller’s motivation to sell can give you insight into the property, whether good or bad.
Some sellers are more motivated than others when it comes to home buying. Some people will place their home on the market but don’t care if it sells. If not, they are content to remain in their current residence and will try again later. There is usually little price flexibility with this type of sale.
However, there are situations when a seller is highly motivated to sell. An estate sale, a job relocation that requires you to relocate out of state, or someone who is paying two mortgages and wants to sell to pay only one.
6. The Age, Style, and Condition of Home Appliances
Replacing appliances is costly. Take the time to calculate each person’s age and condition. You can have some strong preferences as well. For example, you could prefer cooking on a gas burner to an electric range. For some people, these types of discrepancies might be deal-breakers. Let your realtor know whether they are a good fit for you.
There are numerous appliances in a typical kitchen. If there are any you can’t live without, see if the house has them or if there is enough room to add them later. Some are easier to add than others (microwave compared to a dishwasher if a room is restricted) (microwave compared to a dishwasher if space is limited).
Check the furnace or boiler, air conditioner, humidifier, washer, dryer, water heater, and water softener. If there are fireplaces or wood stoves, it’s essential to know if they’ve been properly maintained.
7. The House’s Age
This is irrelevant if you are just interested in new construction. You may see homes from multiple decades if you are willing to look at all residences in your price range that fulfill your fundamental needs.
Older homes might have a unique charm, but they require more maintenance and renovations. Make sure you have the time, inclination, and budget to enjoy managing these projects.
Building codes evolve, and it’s helpful to have a rudimentary awareness of some of the more significant variations when inspecting properties built under different laws.
If you are a first-time home buyer, it’s almost always a good idea to get a professional home inspection done on the house before you close, especially for older homes.
8. The Kitchen Layout
The kitchen genuinely seems to be the heart of the home, and it’s where delicious food is prepared for the gathering of family and friends. Guests frequently congregate in the kitchen when they arrive, and because it is a hub of activity and entertainment, the size and arrangement are critical.
Determine whether a huge gourmet kitchen with plenty of counter space, sinks and storage is required or if a standard kitchen will be sufficient.
9. The Price
Determine your pricing range and be pre-approved for a loan before you start exploring. Purchasing a single-family house is a significant investment that involves much more than simply the buying price. Consider how all expenses will affect your finances and stick to your price range and mortgage payment selection.
10. Mode of Maintenance
Unless you’re buying new construction, there is often quite a list of prospective maintenance items. When you glance around the house, you’re undoubtedly generating a mental or written list of things that could use some assistance. It could be massive or minor repairs, replacements, or additions that make the house a home.
Some items are purely cosmetic, while others need a significant amount of time and money to finish. Please make a note of them and add them up.
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