At some point in your life, you will probably be in the market for a new home. It may be your first or perhaps your last. No matter where you are in your timeline, there are a few things to do when purchasing a home for you and your family.
Find the Best Location.
As they say, “Location, location, location.” Living in a home that is in close proximity to the things you navigate to frequently is imperative for living a comfortable life.
If you find that you have been spending too much time in traffic or on public transportation getting to and from work, it is time to find something better for your lifestyle.
View this page for the best location available and find your ideal neighborhood before purchasing your home.
Part of locating a place to live or your dream home is researching the area. There are some key things to look into and ask yourself.
- What is the proximity to your workplace?
- How long does it take to get to public transportation?
- What is your commute time in rush hour and off-peak travel times?
- What is the cost of living?
- Are there grocery stores nearby?
- Where are the nearest pharmacies and emergency medical care?
- Are there green spaces or parks within walking or biking distance?
- Is it easy to access entertainment options and restaurants?
Find a Home That Suits You.
Now it is time to think about your lifestyle and what you value. Once you have determined the best location for your future, consider what type of home you might appreciate spending time in.
If you enjoy cooking and baking a large commercial-style kitchen may be on your list. If having friends and family over for dinners and parties is important you will want a larger living room or a great room with the kitchen flowing into the other rooms.
Do you have a dog or children who like to run around outside? A large backyard may be in order for them to play in.
When thinking about all of your wants and needs for purchasing a home, make a list of these things, and then rank them in areas of importance. This will help you while you are looking at home listings to find what you are looking for.
Get a Home Inspection.
Whether your home is newly built, on the Register of Historic Places, or somewhere in between, scheduling a home inspection is an essential task for every homeowner. When selecting a home inspector, ensure that you choose someone who is appropriately licensed or insured and has liability insurance for your protection.
A home inspection will give you peace of mind when making one of the largest purchases of your lifetime. The inspection includes a report with items noted, such as damage, mold, outdated wiring, potential areas of concern, and the list goes on. The home inspector provides you with photos of the highlighted areas, as well.
Having an inspection report in hand is like a guide for your future. You can use the report as a roadmap for making repairs and updates to the home or utilize the findings as a warning to find another property that is better suited to your wants and needs.
Knowing that your dream home requires repairs is not necessarily a bad thing. It simply means that items need attention, depending upon your perspective.
Here is a video highlighting the top five questions to ask a home inspector when purchasing a home.
Purchasing a new home is an adventure in and of itself. Have fun with the process and enjoy the labors of your efforts by sitting back and relaxing in your new home.