10 Things to Look For Before Buying Your New Home

Buying a home – whether you choose a new build from Wright Homes in Utah, or an old home you want to renovate – is one of the best decisions you will make in your adult life. However, it is vital to do your research on any property before you make an offer.

Before you begin, it is imperative to note that you should never underestimate your feelings during this process or overestimate your finances. Both of these mistakes will leave you filled with regret in the end.

House hunting is an exciting time, but it can also leave you filled with angst if you rush through it. Make sure to take the time to buy the house that is right for you and your family. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a new home, and this article will highlight ten of them.

1. House Size

The size of the house will appear larger or smaller in photographs, depending on the photographer. Buying a house without seeing it first in real life is not recommended. 

The size of the house needs to fit the size of your needs. This means that it needs to have the right amount of bedrooms or bathrooms and living area spaces to suit your lifestyle.

When house hunting, be sure to tell your estate agent what you need from the house. That way, they will be better able to narrow down your choices.

2. Garden/Yard Size

The yard may not be your biggest priority at first, but if you have pets or children, you will want to buy a home that accommodates their needs. While it is possible to raise children, or have pets, in an apartment, it won’t be the easiest living solution for you.

Ask to view houses that include a medium to a large-sized garden that requires little maintenance. All gardens or yards will require lawn mowing, weeding, and edging to be done from time to time.

When viewing the garden or yard, remember to look for issues with the property fence. That will impact your safety and security, as well as your ability to keep your pets inside the property.

3. Location

The location of your new home is everything. Having a house that is close to schools, malls, and restaurants will make your life so much easier – especially if you have teenagers. Researching clayton heights real estate services may be beneficial in terms of what you’re looking for. Make sure that the location you choose is safe enough for your kids to walk to school or play in the front yard.

Research the neighbourhoods that you’d like to live in, and give a list of your top ten choices to your agent to look at. The real estate market in Show Low and Pinetop continues to boom, and Lakeside AZ homes for sale are pushing new records for median listing prices in the 85929 zip code. The location you choose will ultimately have a direct impact on the cost of the house.

4. Features

House features can be necessary for some, like security cameras or alarm systems. Most features can be retrofitted to your home, but if you buy one with these features, then that will save you time and money later on.

Certain features are more useful than others. For example, electric black-out blinds are nice to have, but they are only a necessity if you regularly suffer from migraines. Often the extra features will increase the asking price, so don’t go looking for added features that you don’t need.

Focus on handy features like security, solar systems, and skylights – these features will help save you money in the long run.

5. Negotiable Price

When viewing a house, be sure to do several checks on the house as you are walking around. Check the plumbing and electrics because any problems in these areas can often reduce the asking price.

If you do discover something wrong that won’t be hard to fix yourself, like an electric box that needs altering – don’t be scared to do these repairs under the guidance of an electrician. Look for Pushmatic breakers for sale and order enough to get you started once you move in.

6. Maintenance Records

Ask the seller or their agent for copies of all the maintenance records about the house. That way, you’ll be brought up to speed with how much work the house has had done over the years – and how much more work it will still need.

Maintenance records can include electrics, plumbing, roofing, painting, and more. There is a fine line here, though – you don’t want to buy a house if it needs work often. Be sure to get clarity on any repeat jobs that were done in the past.

7. Hidden Costs

Buying a house is not as straightforward as it sounds, especially if you need financing help from your bank. There are several hidden costs when it comes to shopping for a house, like closing costs and escrow fees.

Keep this in mind when you’re house hunting because you shouldn’t only be looking at the asking price.

8. The Condition of the Roof

One of the most important things to check before buying a house is the roof. Check for tell-tale signs of mold by ensuring that the roof is perfectly flat, or as near to perfect as possible.

Look for curly edges or bulging sides. Do your best to check for worn-out or odd-looking spots or missing shingles. If the roof shows any signs of damage that could indicate that it is old and will need replacing.

9. Damp Spots

Buying a house with damp spots can prove to be problematic. The increase in moisture levels in the house means that black mold could be present. Be on the lookout for discolored or damp patches on the walls or ceilings.

10. Garage

A garage may not seem like a necessity at first, but you need to cover your cars at night and protect them from the weather conditions. Your vehicle will also be safer if parked in a garage instead of being left out in the open.

Most modern homes come equipped with two or more garages, so they shouldn’t be hard to find. Trust me on this one – you’ll thank me later.