Buying a home is a big deal and you want to make sure that everything is just right before you sign up for a mortgage. The last thing you want is to buy your dream house only to find out that there are some things about the area that aren’t so perfect. However, if you follow our tips, you can be sure the dream home you want is the dream home you get.
Room to Grow
In order to get a good amount of equity built up in your home, you have to stay there for several years. That being said, when buying a home, you should think about the long-term. If it is possible that, within the next several years, you or your spouse could work from home, you may need a quiet space for a home office. You may also need some extra bedrooms if you plan to start a family. Now you certainly don’t want to buy more house than you can afford; you also don’t want to outgrow your house too soon.
Resale Value
Many times, buyers will purchase a home with a basic challenge, like backing up to a busy road, because it doesn’t bother them. However, in doing so, buyers will cut out a huge portion of potential buyers when they go to sell the property in several years. The benefit is a home with these challenges is usually cheaper but you tend to sell for less.
Unchangeable Features
It is always impressive to walk into a new home and see all the new technology, such as an automated window shade, jetted tub, and even a refrigerator with Wi-Fi. However, it is important to look beyond the flashy new technology and focus on the things that would be difficult to change. For example, buyers should be looking at the location, lot size, floor plan, etc. The home can be spectacular on the inside but if it backs up to a noisy interstate, then you may want to keep looking.
Bathrooms
One thing is certain, you will never regret having more bathrooms. In general, every house should have a master suite and at least one additional full bathroom. If you have a two-story house, most people want to have at least a half-bath on the main floor, as well.
CC&Rs
If your home is in a community with an HOA (homeowner’s association), you will receive a copy of the bylaws also known as the conditions, covenants, and restrictions. These CC&Rs determine and regulate what you can do with your property in order to maintain a good property value for you and your neighbors. Having an HOA may please some people, while others would rather do without. However, you should always look at the CC&Rs to determine if these rules are something you are willing to follow. For example, if you have an RV and plan on parking in on your property, your CC&Rs may restrict you from doing that. On the other hand, if you see RVs as nothing more than an eyesore, this might be the place for you.
Daily Commute
Traveling to work every day is something that should be as seamless as possible. So, a good tip is to travel to work from your new house at the same time you normally would see how long it will take.
The Weather
In Florida, we can have some pretty crazy weather. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to go from several weeks of drought to never-ending rain. So, a good rule of thumb is to visit your potential home or neighborhood after it rains. That way you will see how well it does under certain weather conditions. After a rain storm, if your potential house has a backyard that turns into a lake, you may want to keep looking.
