Spring is near! Let The House Hunting Begin! Key things to consider in your hunt.

 

When house hunting, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you’re making a sound investment that meets your needs. As a new realtor, I learned quickly that there are things that are necessary to aid in the home buying process. The two very important things that make the hunt and sale easier for both the agent and the client are to get pre-approved for a home loan before the hunt. And for the client to be specific on what they are looking for. These two simple things really help to narrow down the search and aid in the process tremendously. Remember, as the client, you are in charge. Let your agent know what you will or will not accept in a home. Here are what I believe are some of the most important aspects to consider:

Financing & Buying Process

  • As I mentioned before, get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting. There is nothing more disappointing than finding a house that you love just to later find out it is beyond your current financial situation, or you are not ready to purchase. Most times this leads to a discouraging house hunt because after your “dream house” is unattainable, everything else just doesn’t compare in your mind.
  • Factor in closing costs and potential renovation expenses
  • Research loan options and interest rates

What are the top 5 must-haves of your ideal home?

  1. ________________________________________________________
  2. ________________________________________________________
  3. ________________________________________________________
  4. ________________________________________________________
  5. ________________________________________________________

How many stories do you prefer?

·        1 Story, 2 story, Bi-level?

Location & Neighborhood

  • Proximity to work, schools, shopping, hospitals, and other essential services
  • Neighborhood safety and crime rates
  • School district quality (even if you don’t have kids, this impacts resale value)
  • Future development plans that may affect property value
  • Check https://www.city-data.com/ for information on the area you are looking in.

Home Features & Condition

  • Size & Layout – Does it fit your current and future needs? How many square feet will suit your needs?
  • What style of a home – Ranch, Cape Cod, Colonial, Loft, Townhouse?
  • Number of Bedrooms – Enough for your family, guests, or future growth?
  • Required features in the bedrooms – Adequate storage, natural lighting, what type of flooring? These are some things to consider.
  • Bathrooms – How many will meet the need for your family? What features would you like?
  • Kitchen & Living Spaces – Does the design and space match your lifestyle?
  • Lot Size & Outdoor Space – Enough yard space for pets, kids, or entertaining?
  • Storage & Closet Space – Adequate for your belongings?
  • Age of the Home – Older homes may need more maintenance
  • Structural Integrity – Roof, foundation, walls, and overall build quality. Make sure to ask for the seller’s disclosure form if not provided when you are shown a home. What is the age of the roof, any leaks or cracks in the foundation.
  • HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Systems – Check for updates, efficiency, and condition
  • Natural Light & Windows – Proper ventilation and sunlight exposure

Financial & Investment Considerations

  • Price & Affordability – Does it fit within your budget?
  • Property Taxes – Varies by location and affects affordability.
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees – If applicable, understand the rules and costs
  • Resale Value – Consider how the home will hold or grow in value over time
  • Insurance Costs – Some locations may have higher insurance costs due to risks like floods or hurricanes. If you follow the link below for amalgam, you can open the layers tab and select FEMA overlay. This will overlay the flood zones so you can identify if a property is impacted by a flood zone.
  • Check Amalgam LLC for property information – Go to https://www.amalgamonline.com/fetchgis.php and scroll down to the community sites at the bottom of the page. You can search addresses and gather tax info and other important information on the property you are considering.

If you come prepared and armed with this information, you and your realtor will have a more successful and stress free hunting experience. And as they say, Home is where your story begins. I hope you can use this info to find your perfect first chapter!

 

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