Deciding to
buy a house is a big, exciting decision. You might spend many years in the home, which is why it should suit your family's current and future needs. There should also be the potential to increase the return on your investment if you ever decide to sell down the line. Here are a few factors to consider during the house hunt to find a property that achieves these goals.
What Points Should I Account for When Buying a House?
1. Age & Condition of Appliances
Replacing major appliances can eat into your budget after moving in. To avoid this expense, ensure the current fixtures are in good working order. During a property tour, check for odd sounds from the refrigerator and open the unit to see how it cools. A home inspector can let you know if the gas hookups and electric elements for the stove, oven, and HVAC system are intact. Your Real Estate Agent can find out the age of appliances and if they are still under warranty. This will give you an idea of the operating power of all this vital equipment. Inquiring about household energy usage and costs will also shed light on the efficiency of appliances.
2. Number of Bedrooms & Storage Areas
Make a mental note of all the seasonal gear and miscellaneous items stored in closets, the garage, and other areas of your current home. Buy a house with enough storage space to accommodate the belongings you plan to bring with you as well as items you will acquire in the future. If possible, purchase a property with a few extra bedrooms, too. This will come in handy if you decide to start a family or have more kids, need an office to work from home, or have any other life changes.
3. Lot Shape & Size
Find out the shape and size of the lot a house sits on. Depending on when the house was built, it could have similar lot specifications to neighboring properties. Whether the shape is square, rectangular, or irregular contributes to the possibility of installing a patio, deck, pool, or other outdoor features. A licensed surveyor can provide you with the lot's measurements. It's necessary to know a property's boundaries to determine if you can add on later to increase the home's value.
