Nothing quite compares to the emotions during your first purchase of a home, it's exciting, suspenseful, nerve racking, and sometimes stressful. Hopefully, your first experience is a great one, but just to make sure we are offering some key pointers to get you started on the right track.
For first-time home buyers looking into purchasing a home, here is a list of things to consider before signing on the dotted line. We want to make sure that you are getting into a home that fits your needs as closely as possible.
Standard Details
There are, of course, all of the basic details that a buyer wants in a home. That includes the number of bedrooms and baths. Does it have a fireplace; how large is the lot; is there a rec or a family room; is there a garage and such. The buying family could write out a list of all of the features that they want in a home and present that list to the realtor who is helping them.
Amenities
The buyers should also look into surrounding facilities that will make the house a true home. Some people are interested in a nearby church of a particular denomination. Others want a neighborhood swimming pool or a close golf course. Let the Realtor know about any of these items and where they fall on your priorities list.
Educational Institutions
Talk to the school system. They will frequently let a potential buyer visit the school where their kids will attend. Look into the schools facilities and talk to the principal. For those that like to be really involved, see if they will encourage parents to volunteer in the system.
Sanctuary
Think about issues that could affect the family's safety. Are there dangerous roads that could affect the kids? A house in a cul-de-sac can frequently have the least traffic and pose less danger to the little ones.
Lawns and Landscaping
Some buyers like the idea of a large lawn, others think that mowing will become a major headache. The same is true for landscaping and gardening. A large lot will require maintenance – a blessing for some and a bane for others.
Expansion Potential
For those that enjoy the idea of building things around the house, is there any potential for expanding? Some search for an unfinished basement where they can install that perfect “man-cave” or movie theater. Others look on that possibility with much less enthusiasm. This can expand to outdoor installations or even to add another room onto the home.
Fixer-upper Issues
Some homes already come with substantial required refurbishment – the proverbial fixer-upper. To the extent that the new homeowners can do it themselves, it may be a way to save money and build equity in their home right from the start. To others who will have to pay for the repairs, it becomes a cost-benefit decision. Can they get a price that is reduced enough to be able to pay for the repairs and still have a cost that is competitive with a home in better condition.
Looking for a home or property? Make a list of those items that are required, those that are nice to have and those that don’t make a difference, and let a Realtor help you find a perfect fit.
