If you’re considering buying a home, this list will help kickstart your search. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size yard are important factors to consider when making an offer, other things should also factor into your decision.
Here are some items to remember as you explore a new home.
The Location
The three most essential things to consider when buying a home are its location, location, and location. You can change almost everything about the house you purchase, including interior design, the number of stories it has, or what kind of yard work needs doing. Still, if your new home is undesirable, all those other considerations become less relevant. When looking for a new home, consider how close it is to your workplace, whether or not the lot has enough space to accommodate you, and any pets you may have.
The Site
It’s important to consider location—but also the site of a home. If it’s on a hill, does it have views? Is there parking at or near your front door? How many stairs would you need to climb daily (if any)? Do neighbors’ windows overlook your property in ways that could be awkward or embarrassing if they looked into areas where people might be changing clothes? If you intend to be in the home long-term, consider how your accessibility needs might change as you age. Consider whether access to the property is safe when considering driveway elevation or stairs to the front door.
The Neighborhood
Make sure the neighborhood feels right to you—not just the house. Drive around on weekdays and weekends during both daylight and evening hours. Do people keep their yards clean and tidy? Are old cars or trash lying around the neighborhood, or are streets well-lit at night for safe walking? Is it safe enough for people to jog (or bike) in this area of town? If you’re a parent or an animal lover, find out whether your neighborhood is family-oriented or pet friendly.
The Home’s Curb Appeal
If you prefer a relaxed lifestyle and don’t enjoy much upkeep, consider avoiding homes that are more formal or have intricate designs. Consider a simpler home, such as one made of brick. It would be best if you also asked whether the roof and any decks or patios are in good condition, so you know what to predict when it rains. And check out the landscaping to see how much yard maintenance will be required—you might not want to deal with plants that need lots of water.
The Size and the Floor Plan
Refrain from being seduced by an extra large home or one with a unique feature, such as a sauna, if those features aren’t important to you and you won’t use the space. Determine the right size home for your family before house hunting—and stay flexible about floor plans. Remember, while extra square footage can give you that craft room or home gym you’ve always wanted, it will also mean higher energy bills and taxes. Realistically consider the amount of space and your lifestyle when estimating how much furniture you need to fill a home.
The Bedrooms and Bathrooms
When looking for a home, you should decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms it should have before searching. You might love an adorable cottage that needs to be bigger; if so, save your time! And remember: adding square footage later is only sometimes possible or desirable. Consult an architect early in the process to understand how your needs will affect layout, lot usage, and city regulations. Consider who you want living with you now—and who might be coming along later down the road. If there is a possibility that you may have children or relatives to stay with, make sure you have enough bedrooms and bathrooms for them.
The Kitchen
If your kitchen is the core of your home, only live with which you’re satisfied. The cost and time required for a remodel may make it prohibitive for some people. Suppose a homeowner is looking for complete renovation and remodeling. In that case, that person may have to sacrifice other home improvements or even live with something they hate to afford their dream kitchen. If the kitchen needs only a few updates, such as new appliances, to make it more functional for you, then it might be worth considering.
The Closets and Storage
Older homes tend not to have a lot of storage space. If you have lots of sports equipment, craft supplies, out-of-season clothes—or holiday decorations—you’ll need to make room for them in your new home. Because you can add storage space to older homes, look at newer houses—you might be able to save money later by turning a bedroom into a closet.