With home inventory as low as it is at the moment some buyers panic and buy a home before they’ve checked out all if the details, which means they might end up with a home that doesn’t work for them. If you’re looking for a home make sure you take your time. You may miss out on a few homes you like but in the end you’ll be glad you took your time. Know what you want, and think through the process you need to follow. Here are some things you’ll need to know that will help with the small details you might miss.
Pets
Make sure there’s plenty of space for your animals, their beds and their bowls. It might seem like something you don’t need to worry about but of you move in and don’t have space for their things you’ll always be tripping over them.
The Garbage Can
Again this is one of those small things that will drive you crazy after you move in. While it probably won’t be enough to drive you out of the house, it’s still worth paying attention to.
Direction
A west facing house can give you some great views of the sunset but you’ll pay for those through spring and summer when the air conditioner is going full blast.
Structural Walls
If you’re planning on adding a room or knocking down a few walls make sure you have an engineer check any walls you want to knock down that might cause the house to collapse if you take them down.
The Pantry
A small pantry isn’t a problem that’s easily solved through renovations so make sure it’s got enough space to keep the food you and your family will have.
Flooring
Check the floors closely; replacing flooring is a very time consuming and expensive endeavor. Even if they pass all the inspections they may not suit your tastes. Remember you’ll have to live with the flooring or replace it yourself later.
Local Supermarkets
If location is one of your priorities and the home you want is in the mountains or woods you’ll have to compromise your easy access of shopping centers and gas stations. While you might like your seclusion you may get frustrated with the long drives into town after the excitement of the new house wears off.
HOA
This is an important question if you’re planning on changing the outer appearance of your home or lawn. Most HOAs have regulations and policies that will limit what you’re able to do.
Local Schools
Even if you don’t have any kids a good school district is important towards home values. Pay close attention to possible rezoning as it happens often in growing areas.
Acoustics
Pay attention to how sound moves through the home. If there’s a big echo from the upstairs loft pay attention to how it will sound throughout the whole house if your kids are playing.
Wiring
If you’re looking at older homes you may not have the proper wiring needed to accommodate all of the newest technology. Check all the wiring before you buy so you can be sure you can use the proper appliances in your home.
Yard
A yard that is too large for your family can lead to unneeded upkeep costs, but a yard that’s too small makes it harder to enjoy with the family.
The Neighborhood
Are there more young couples in the neighborhood or are you seeing more older couples? Get a feel for the neighborhood and see if it will be a good match for you and your family.
Check for Sex Offenders
As bleak as it sounds, you should always check a new neighborhood for registered sex offenders.
Inspections
While you might be tempted to buy the home as is, taking the extra time to have an inspection done will uncover any major issues the home might have that you would’ve been stuck with later on.
If you are ready to start your search for a home contact The Sandi Pressley Team today.
Have An Awesome Week!
Sandi’s Hot Home Listing
1801 Irving Road, Albuquerque
Price: $298,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 1 Square Feet: 2,370
Beautiful Mossman one owner home shows pride of ownership! Home features: 2 living spaces, custom built-ins w/gas log FP in family rm, 3 bth rms-powder rm complete w/artistic tile. Gorgeous kitchen w/new appl/premium granite countertops/custom tilework/skylight & eat-in nook, LG MSTR w/walk-in closet,fresh paint thru-out entire home & garage. Gleaming NEWLY re-finished oak floors,NEW light fixtures,full home water softener,newer windows, huge laundry rm w/storage, oversized garage w/additional storage.