Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Home

There are many factors to keep in mind when you start your home search. Some may be cosmetic and stylistic, but it is also important to consider the smaller details that may make a difference in the house you choose to buy.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you start looking at listings…

Have a Checklist to Guide You

This will help you remember what is actually important to you and what is just icing on the cake. There are certain features in a home you may not be willing to compromise. To help you create a plausible checklist, create a “must-have” list and a “desire” list. This will help you stay on track while looking at homes.

Location

Location is important to consider because you are making a long-term investment. You do not want to purchase a home and then discover that you do not like your neighborhood or school district. 

- Is the house in a good neighborhood? 

•  You will want to live in a place that is clean and well maintained 
•  Make sure you drive by the house at different times of the day to see what the neighborhood is like at different times of the day 

- Are you within a good school district? 

•  If you have kids or are planning to have kids, you want to make sure that you are in a good school district so they will get the best possible schooling. 

- Recreational areas 

• If recreational areas, such as a community pool/park are important to you, make sure that the neighborhood you are looking to buy in provides those amenities 

- Do you want to be centrally located? 

• Being centrally located has its advantages 

– Proximity to grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, etc. 

- Make sure to explore different neighborhoods and talk to neighbors so you find the perfect neighborhood for you and your family.

Commute

The commute that you will have to endure day-in and day-out wear on you if you live too far away from your destination. Whether your commute is to the office or to your kid's school, be sure to set a maximum limit that you would be willing to drive each day.

Security

Security is your peace of mind. If you do not have security, you might be looking at the wrong house or even in the wrong area. There are different types of security to consider. 

- Would you feel more comfortable in a gated community? 

• Gated communities offer more security than the typical neighborhood. If a gated community is too much, but you still want a sense of security, a gated yard may be solution for you 

- If you don’t desire the extra security that gates provide, finding a home with an alarm system, or even installing one yourself, will still give you and your home protection. 

- Crime rates in the area 

• The crime rates in the area might sway you on what type and amount of security you are looking for. The main thing to consider is what fits your needs and desires best. 

Home Features

There are different features of a home that may make it or break it. 

- If you own pets, larger yards are more ideal for them to be able to run around. 

 - If your family is still growing, you must take that into consideration. 

• A growing family requires more space to grow into, and that includes storage space too. 

- If it doesn't have features that are on your “must-have” list, it is probably not the right home for you. Don’t be afraid to move on. 

- Make sure the size and plan of the home fits yours and your family’s needs

So what’s next? You have your checklist. You know what you are looking for. You understand what is important to you. With all of the knowledge you have now gained, you’re ready to search for the right home for you!