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You are obsessed with saving money, and now you have thousands to spend. With all that money, it would be a good decision to buy a house as a big investment. But before you spend, do you know what to look for when buying a house?
Well, in this blog, we are going to discuss this topic. And if you're concerned, then just read and take notes!
Why It’s Important to Look Beyond Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal means how a house looks from the outside. You must want a beautiful house, don't you? A clean lawn, new paint, and pretty flowers can make a house feel perfect. But a nice outside doesn’t always mean a good home.
Some sellers fix small things to make the house look better, but they may not fix big problems. That’s why you need to check inside and under the surface. Things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and wiring are more important.
After all these, you should consider the financial aspect as well.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a House
Here, we share a checklist of what to look for when buying a house. Our top 5 picks that you must keep in mind:
Location and Neighbourhood
Where the house is located matters a lot. Think about how close it is to schools, stores, parks, and your job.
A good neighborhood should feel safe during the day and night. Drive around at different times to see how busy or quiet the area is. A good location can help your home keep its value.
Structural Integrity and Foundation
The structure is what mainly holds the house together. If it’s weak, you might face big repair bills. Walk around the house and look for cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors. Pay attention to doors or windows that stick or don’t close properly. Always ask how old the home is and if there have been any repairs done before.
Roof, Plumbing, and Electrical Systems
These are systems you don’t see every day, but they are very important for a safe home. Roofs normally last 15 to 25 years. Ask when the roof was last replaced and look for missing shingles, water stains on ceilings, or leaks.
For plumbing, turn on all the faucets to check the water pressure. You should also flush toilets and look under sinks for leaks.
Layout, Natural Light, and Storage
Ask yourself if the rooms are the right size and in the right place. Open the windows to see how much light comes in. Look for storage in closets, cabinets, the basement, or the attic. A smart layout and good storage make life easier.
Noise, Safety, and Resale Value
Stand in different parts of the house and listen. Can you hear traffic or loud neighbors? Noise can make it hard to sleep or relax.
Also, look at solid doors, working locks, smoke detectors, and outdoor lights. A good school nearby, low crime, and strong building quality help keep the home’s value high.
What Are the Extra Features That Add Long-Term Value?
Besides the top 5 things, some other things can increase the value of your house in the long run. Here are the things to look for when buying a house for the first time:
Energy-efficient windows and doors
A high-efficiency furnace or water heater
Smart home tools like thermostats or doorbells
A finished basement or room to rent out
Red Flags Most Buyers Miss
You might find some hidden things to look for when buying a house. Look at them closely, as they can be the red flags that you don't want to miss. Here's what you might find:
Questions to Ask the Seller or Realtor
Here are some questions that you must ask your seller:
Why is the owner selling the home?
How long has it been on the market?
Have there been any past problems or repairs?
Are the appliances included?
What’s the average cost for heating and cooling?
Final Verdict
Most homes you’ll look at, even the new ones, can have some flaws. And it becomes really hard if you don't know what to avoid and what to look for. That's why you can hire an expert agent like The Valley Life. They can help you and suggest what to look for when buying a house.