Buying
When looking for the perfect home it’s easy to be swayed by the way a home is decorated or what it looks like at face value. There are some things not to be overlooked, but others that are easily changed when you take possession. With those thoughts in mind, here is a list of 5 things you should overlook when determining if the house you are looking at is the right house for you.
1. It doesn’t matter what color the walls are. Who cares if they painted one of the bedrooms lime green? When you purchase the home you can easily cover the walls with the color of your choice.
2. If the patio needs rescreened it’s an easy project for a weekend and you’ll be proud of the work you put into your new home for minimal expense.
3. Stained carpeting can be a huge turn off, but before you walk away from a great home find out how much it would cost to replace it. You can always ask for a carpet allowance that will be given to you at closing so that you can replace the flooring before moving in.
4. Older appliances can be a problem if your heart is set on the latest and greatest. Before you turn your nose up at those older appliances, consider if you could update your appliances at a later date instead of insisting on them with the home purchase. Chances are you’re probably already cooking on appliances of the same age range and could wait a year for the appliances you’ve been lusting after.
5. Overlook the mess. Many times homes are cluttered due to people living in them or dirty if they have been sitting vacant for some time. A good cleaning can make that home sparkle again. And don’t forget, the sellers are responsible for making sure the home is clean prior to the final walk through before closing.
Make sure when you are house hunting, especially when buying a resale home, that your expectations aren’t set too high. Not only could you miss out on a really fantastic home, but you could find yourself in the process of shopping for realtor as well as a new home if you aren’t willing to be flexible. Determine what’s most important and enjoy the hunt!
Buying
Hunting for a new home is one of the most exciting times of your life, but that excitement and thrill can turn to a nightmare if you don’t pay close attention when purchasing a home. Because I want every buyer I work with to be completely satisfied and keep that same thrill every day when purchasing a home, I have compiled a list of things you should pay careful attention to when shopping for your next home.
1. Make sure your furniture is going to fit in the home you are looking at. If your furniture is oversized, looking at small and cozy isn’t going to work Your excitement about your new home will quickly turn to dismay on moving day if you can’t fit your furniture in the house!
2. Make sure the current wiring in the home will fit your needs. Older homes tend to have fewer outlets and sometimes have a lower frequency than newer homes. If your family is tech friendly you’ll need to pay careful attention to this detail.
3. If past plumbing issues were a concern with this home, have a home inspector make sure there is no damage to the home from the issue and that it truly has been remedied. Past water leaks can result in future issues with the home.
4. Is the neighborhood one you can see yourself living in over the years. If you don’t like the neighborhood now, chances are that you’ll like it even less in a few years. Make sure you feel just as comfortable in the neighborhood as you do in the home.
5. Does the home have the right amount of space for the needs of your family? If you are planning on children or more children will this be the home you bring them home to or will you find yourself moving prior to the birth? If you are downsizing, is it going to be more in line with your current needs, or is there something else you need?
When choosing your next home the best steps you can take to remain happy for years to come is to truly determine what you will need in a home. The rest is what you want in a home. If you find what you need and what you want in the same home, you are extremely lucky. So keep your eyes open to decide if what you want in the new home can also accommodate you adding what you want in a home over the years. When you find the right home you’ll be happy for years to come!
