The purchase of a property can be a daunting process. After all, it is nothing short of a milestone. Your new home will determine the new era of your life, so it’s only natural that you want to be 100% sure that you’re making the right decision. Starting your house hunt can feel very directionless unless you have a list of all the criteria the property needs to fulfil. To help you out, here’s what you’ll need to pay attention to before you buy the house in question.
Check the location!
It’s not for nothing that the motto of real estate is a resounding “location, location, location.” There are a lot of things one can change about their home, but its location is not one of them. So, the first and certainly one of the most crucial things you must carefully check when you’re interested in a property is its location. The house’s proximity to your workplace and other amenities is just one thing. You should also visit the neighbourhood to get an idea about its safety and friendliness. Look out for signs of development, too: that’s a good indication that the location will become a coveted one in the future.
How’s the lot?
Another thing regarding the location that you should scrutinize is the lot itself. How big is the yard? Does it satisfy your needs? How about the proximity of neighbours? You don’t want your living room window to directly face theirs. The home’s orientation should also be checked. You don’t want to end up with a property that barely gets any light since most of its windows are north-facing. These details often end up being an afterthought, but they don’t have to.
Your needs in the long term
You are probably well aware of your current needs. You might want a spacious kitchen, a private home office, and may be fine with a smaller property. However, what you truly need to put down are your long-term plans and needs. Thinking ahead this way will save you from expensive home modifications down the road, when your family eventually expands and your needs double. So, think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms the home needs to include. When checking out homes, keep attics, basements, and garages at the forefront of your mind.
Its condition
Naturally, one of the most important things to check on the actual property before purchasing it is its condition. How old is the property? Older properties may seem like a steal but they won’t appear like such a smart decision when you have to redo the insulation very soon, so stay smart. Be sure to call in experts for all the essential home inspections that must precede a property purchase. Your lender might require these, too. A thorough inspection of the house from top to bottom will not only give you a clear picture of future repairs you can start budgeting right away but may also give you some negotiating power. Consider what’s not covered by inspections and take a look at those things yourself.
What it comes with
The property you have your eye on may come furnished or partly furnished. This can be a great perk unless you are not keen on the things it comes with. While swapping a table or getting rid of an armchair may not throw your plans off too much, there are things you should pay special attention to. Such are, for instance, the appliances. Firstly, see if you like them at all. Secondly, be sure to inspect them and ensure they are working as they should. Finally, don’t forget to inquire about their warranties. Even if certain appliances may be in order now, if they are near the end of their lifetime, you might just need to replace them shortly after moving in. Needless to say, the HVAC system needs special attention here.
Making it legal
Once you’re sure that you want the property in question, you can move on to the next step. The purchase of a property is undeniably a complex process that you probably shouldn’t tackle alone. Seek out the help of property solicitors who know all the ins and outs of the legal side of transferring ownership. They will do their own background check to ensure that there are no issues with the property that would put you in a difficult situation. You will also be able to rest assured that all the paperwork is done as it should be.
Price and expenses
The price of the property itself is just one of the expenses that come with purchasing a new home. So, before you make the final call, be sure that you are aware of all the upcoming costs. The inspections, the legal fees, the insurance, and the upcoming renovations are just some of them. So, make sure you check all these costs thoroughly and do the math, or you’ll end up with empty pockets in your brand new house.
Are you ready to move?
Buying a house requires a lot of preparations, and you shouldn’t attempt to skip any if you are to make a sound decision. Go through the checklist religiously and soon you can start organizing your move. Good luck!
Tags: buying a new house, home maintenance, house moving, real estate
