Things To Consider When Buying a Home

When staring your home buying process, everyone should have priorities and a must-have list! This is a helpful tool to guide you through this complex process without forgetting important features. Your agent will also want to understand your list to help eliminate homes that won't work for you, and find homes that will!

We have compiled a list of 10 things you should consider when buying a home. Each item will rank differently on buyer's lists, but they are important to examine! 

Let's get started!

1. Location of the home: You should look for a location that allows you to easily access the places you visit most frequently (work, school, shopping, recreation, etc.).

2. Number of bedrooms: You likely have an idea of how many bedrooms you would like or need. If you have children, the number of bedrooms you will need is likely going to increase. You may also want a guest room for out of town visitors. Consider an extra bedroom that can double as an office, den, play room or exercise room. Think about your lifestyle and how many bedrooms you would need to enhance it. 

3. Number of bathrooms: The size, style and number of bathrooms are important. Think of the people who will be using the bathrooms, and you can get a clear idea of size and style needed that will best suit your family. If you need a bathroom that is handicapped accessible, you will want to look for that or look at ways that you can remodel a bathroom to fit your needs. 

4. Lot size: Lots can have pie shapes, rectangular shapes, or irregular shapes. Depending on the amount of privacy you want, the amount of lawn you desire, and the length of the driveway, you'll want to consider lot size. If you have questions about where the lot begins and ends, check the description and have your realtor pull the dimensions for you. 

5. Condition of home appliances: Check the listing to see which appliances are part of the purchase, and which are not. You can make a guess of the age of appliances that are staying, and the home inspector can report on it later. You will want to check out appliances such as the water heater, water softener, furnace, A/C, fireplaces, etc. to ensure they have been maintained properly. 

6. Home's interior layout/flow: Be clear on your desires for layout. If you want an open concept home, a closed off kitchen may not be best for you. If you want a formal dining room, you'll want to look at homes that offer just that. While you may have to compromise on some things in the home, you should still consider the layout when shopping and picture yourself in the home. Will that layout work for you and your family?

7. Age of the home: If you are only wanting a new construction, this won't apply to you. However, if you are looking at homes in your price range that meet you requirements, you might tour homes of all ages. Older homes may offer charm and character, but they may also need more repairs or updates. Make sure that you would have the time and budget to make those said upgrades and repairs if needed. 

8. Seller's incentive to sell home: Your realtor can help you determine exactly how motivated the seller might be and can help you draw up an appealing offer. If the sellers counter, you can trust your agent to help you make a motivated counter offer at a great price. 

9. Maintenance required to upkeep home: When shopping for a home, consider the amount of maintenance and upkeep require for the home. Is the yard size manageable? When it snows, will you have to purchase a snowblower for the long driveway or will you be okay shoveling it? Are the trees near the home dead and a potential safety hazard if they were to fall? You'll want to consider every detail of maintaining the home.

10. Price: Before shopping, your first step should be getting pre-approved. This helps your realtor know which homes to show you within your budget. After all, this will be one of the biggest purchases you make in your life!

Understanding and staying true to your priorities is crucial in the home buying process. Location, bedroom and bathroom numbers, lot size, home layout and maintenance, it is all important for your enjoyment of the home, and the resale value. You should want to understand the age and condition of appliances so you know how much work and money it will take to get the home how you need it, and to maintain it over time. Your agent can answer any questions you have about the home and help you make an accurate offer!