What Characterizes a Good Home?
Families looking for the perfect house can get easily overwhelmed by all of the choices on the market. Homes are an expensive investment, and individuals should be careful before purchasing a home. Keep reading for some of the most important things in a home.
Location Is Everything
Everyone has heard it said: location, location, location. There are many homes for sale in any given market area. As families see these homes for sale, they need to consider where it is located, not just for buying and living in the house, but for years down the road when they decide to sell the home.
A home can be ugly, run-down, and tiny, but if it is in a nice neighborhood or a good school district families will covet it. Real estate markets rise and fall, but a great location always remains.
Check Out the School District
Potential homebuyers with children will want to consider the school district in which the homes are. Parents want their kids to go to the best school available, and homes in those districts will likely cost more. Even potential homebuyers without kids should consider buying in a good school district to ensure good resale later.
The Neighborhood
The character of a home’s neighborhood is a factor to consider. Visit the area late at night, early in the morning, and in the middle of the day. Check for odd weather or traffic patterns. Observe or even talk to some of the neighbors. A next-door neighbor that enjoys having parties late into the night may not be everyone’s idea of a good time.
Check the crime figures for a neighborhood. It is possible to do a quick search from home to find information about crime statistics or to check to see if anyone on the sex offender registry lives in the area. Real estate agents can also point buyers in the right direction for getting information in this area.
Look For a More Modest Home In a Neighborhood
Avoid buying the grandest and most expensive house in a neighborhood because it’s likely that there won’t be much room for the investment to grow. Buying the worst home on the block is financially savvy because homeowners can improve the house and add to its value while it’s already in a great location.
Be Careful With Fixer-Uppers
Homeowners should carefully consider the costs of a fixer-upper. If they want to build an extension or remodel a kitchen, check with local contractors to secure a price before making an offer on the home. Be sure to inspect the house, so there aren’t any hidden costs. Small projects can turn into huge projects for homeowners who don’t do their homework first.
Taxes and Other Costs
Almost every home will have taxes, and if a home is in a community, there may be a homeowner’s association (HOA) with annual fees. Buyers can go to city hall or do online research to find the property tax and assessment information on a potential home.
Home’s Position On the Lot
Buyers who have children may want to ensure that a home is not right in front of the property and front of a road. For condos, consider the differences between an end unit and an interior unit. Look at how the sun hits a house, and whether any light issues may arise. Light or privacy is a concern for many families looking for a home.
Buying a home is an exciting adventure. Always do plenty of homework before making this monumental investment.
