On the surface, buying a house might seem like a piece of cake. However, the more you start discovering the myriad of details about what you and your family desire in a new home, the more complicated it can get. Take a look at some important questions to ask when starting your home buying search and get in touch with a trusty REALTOR® at AvenueWest DTC.
- Are schools importantant?
- How much space do you need?
- Age and condition considerations?
- How many bedrooms? (Are you planning (more) children?)
- Preferred lifestyle? Suburbia or closer to downtown action/amenities?
- What are your timeline considerations?
- Do you need to sell another house first?
- Price Range? (you don’t want to be house rich and cash poor)
- Monthly budget considerations?
- Are you “Pre-Approved” (which is BETTER than “Pre-Qualified”)
- 20 percent down payment means no Private Mortgage Insurance
- Preferred architecture? (Ranch? Two-story? Multi-level?)
- Special requirements? (Access to green space/trails? In-law suite? Walk-out basement? 1st floor Master Bedroom? ADA requirements?)
- Preferred upgrades/finishes?
- Do you desire upgraded and remodeled?
- Commute to work? For you and/or your spouse?
- Working/Schooling from home?
- Resale value? (Some home buyers never consider resale value when they buy. They make the mistake of focusing solely on whether the home suits their immediate needs).
- Location, location, location! Desirable school districts, no eyesores, and close to shopping, hospitals, and schools? Desireable neighborhood amenities like pools and tennis courts?
- Curb appeal — is it pleasant to look at from the outside with nice landscaping?
- A great room in which to congregate?
- Ample storage and closets?
- Does it have a garage? (Deep and high enough for your truck?)
- Good flow and open floor plan? Lots of natural light?
- Roof, HVAC, and water heater fairly current?
- Does it have an adequately sized lot?
- South facing? (north facing lots lack sunshine on the front of house, therefore snow stays longer)