There were 5.95 million homes sold in the United States in 2022, and this number is only set to increase in 2023. If you are going to be a part of this statistic, then you need to know what to look for during your house hunting journey. With so many houses on the market, it is important to know what to do (and what not to do) when buying a home.
These are just a few things you should look out for before you put an offer in on your dream home.
Location, Location, Location
The first step to finding the home of your dreams is to decide where you want to move to. Once you pick a city or an area, do your research into the safe and dangerous neighborhoods. You want to choose a home in an area that you feel comfortable in.
It is also important to be aware of the surroundings of your home. If you want to live near the city, then start looking in the downtown area. If you want to be close to water, then check out locations such as Manausa waterfront homes.
If you are planning on moving to a popular area, then keep an eye on the real estate market trends. Prices will go up and down and it is important to follow them closely to find the right time to buy.
Noise Level
If you aren’t used to big city living, then you will want to assess the noise level in the area. Just because the home is quiet during your showing, doesn’t mean it’s going to be quiet all of the time.
Is the home right by a freeway? Are there railroad tracks nearby? Do you share any walls with your neighbors?
All of these factors will contribute to the noise level in your home. If this is something that bothers you, then you may want to steer away from homes with these qualities and instead choose something that is more secluded or set away from major roads.
Size and Floor Plan
It is essential to purchase a house that is big enough for your needs. Make sure you know exactly how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need for your family. Go into your house hunt with a size in mind, and try to stick to that.
On the other hand, you also don’t want to choose a house that is too big. Remember that you have to furnish every room, so extra rooms can quickly become big projects that you don’t have the time or money for. You will also pay for more electricity in these extra rooms, even if you aren’t inside them often.
In addition to the size of the home, you will also want to decide whether you want a condo or a multiple-story home. Many families with small children or elderly people like to stay away from homes with stairs due to safety concerns.
Condition of the Home
Before you buy a house, you will want to assess the condition of the space. If you are willing to renovate the space, then you may not mind if there are a few scratches here and there or outdated features that need to be replaced. You may even get a better deal on the home!
However, if you are looking to move in right away, then you need to pay close attention to the condition of the home. Pay close attention to the floors, doors, and windows to ensure that you will not have to replace anything.
More importantly, you want to ensure that the home is structurally sound. You may want to consider inspecting the roof and the foundation of the home. If there are issues with either of these things, then you may be looking at a safety hazard or costly repairs.
Windows and Lights
One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying a home is not considering how much natural light they receive in a space. Walk around and note how much sunlight is coming into the home during the day. Nobody wants to sit in a dark house all day.
Make sure you will see sunlight in rooms where you will spend a lot of time during the day such as the living room and the kitchen. Light is typically not as important in areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
If there is not much natural light, then pay attention to where the light fixtures and outlets are. These will give you opportunities to create light yourself.
Storage Space
During your house hunting journey, make sure that the home is equipped to hold all of your belongings. First, check that your furniture and possessions that will be on display will fit in the home. After that, you need to make sure that even your hidden belongings have a spot to sit.
If you are moving with a lot of clothes, sports equipment, toys, or decorations, then make sure there is a place to keep everything. Take a look at the size of closets, cabinets, and attics to see if you have enough space for all of your possessions.
If you have a lot of extra belongings, then you may want to consider searching for a home with a basement to use as storage space.
House Hunting Red Flags
One of the biggest house hunting mistakes is ignoring the red flags. Some of these red flags include:
- Bad smells
- Insects in the home
- Water stains
- Damaged roof
- Old HVAC system
- Saggy ceiling
- Water in the yard
- Toilets, showers, or sinks that don’t work
- Broken appliances
- Cracked foundation
If you notice any of these red flags, then it may be time to move onto the next home.
Find Your Dream Home Today
Although house hunting is a long process, it can be extremely fun and rewarding. As long as you know what to look for, you will be on your way to finding your dream home in no time!
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