Need Help with Real Estate? Here are Four Simple Tips on Buying a Home

When you’re considering buying a new home, there are plenty of factors to consider. For some people, having enough space for a family is the most important aspect of buying a home. For others, it’s all about location and amenities. If you’re in the market for a new home, you have plenty to consider, and you’ve probably read plenty of tips on buying a home. The most important things to consider during the process of buying a home, however, are the things you want. After all, a home is an investment, and there aren’t many worse mistakes than a bad (and costly) investment.

For those who need tips on buying a home, whether for the first time or not, here are some suggestions for what to include in your buying a home checklist:

• Space. The first step to buying a home is to consider how much space you need. Whether you have a family already or you plan to start one, you not only need to consider the amount of space you need now but what you might need in the future, too. Check the number of bedrooms, the square footage, the amount of space for family gatherings or other celebrations, and even the number of bathrooms. Feeling too cramped in a home is a common reason for having to move again later.
• Location. What’s that saying about succeeding in business? It’s all about “Location, location, location.” The same goes for choosing a home. Don’t be afraid to look at several homes in different areas; those searching for new homes typically view at least six of them before choosing one. While it can be great to look in several different areas, the best way to choose a location is by what’s around the home. Do you have access to retail, supermarkets, hospitals, and other essential places? Is the home in a good school district? Choosing a home in an area with great schools can help a home maintain its value.
• Price. And of course, be sure to choose a home that’s within your budget. Think, too, if you will want to move again later: what are the current real estate market predictions for that area? First time home buyers should remember that there are closing costs, taxes, and down payments to consider in addition to a home’s listing price.
• Condition. Finally, if you’re buying a brand new home, the house should be in excellent condition. You will still need a home inspector to make sure the house is up to building standards and codes, but otherwise you likely won’t have much risk here. You can also choose the features if you custom build your home.
  However, if you choose to purchase an older home, you will have more to look out for with this type of real estate buying. Consider how much renovation you’d like to do for the interior and exterior of the house. If the house needs major repairs, you’ll be paying for a lot more than your mortgage, taxes, and closing costs. Don’t forget to consider the lawn as well: healthy, well-maintained lawns are attractive and won’t have too many disease and pest problems. Some homes may require significant landscaping and even pest removal.

Be sure to ask your real estate agent if he or she has any other tips on buying a home, so you can know exactly what you’re looking for. Leave a comment with other home buying questions! See this link for more references.