You may have already made a list of your top considerations when buying a house or are only beginning to explore this significant purchase. As you search for your own home, ask yourself the following:
How? Where? What?
Buying a house, especially your own home, is one of the most exciting purchases you’ll ever make. It nonetheless takes a lot of research, work and time to accomplish.
To help you with this goal, we have compiled a list of essential considerations to help you on your journey towards house ownership.
How: Financing your house purchase
Nobody buys a house without first assessing his or her ability to finance the purchase. If you have met your financing goals in a savings plan, you are in great shape. If not, many countries worldwide offer assistive government programs for first-time homebuyers, veterans, the elderly and citizens with disabilities. One of the most critical choices you may have to make is hiring the appropriate professional to assist you. An honest financial advisor or reliable realtor can back your decision-making with qualified advice.
Where: One of the top considerations when buying a house is location
We’ve all heard Harold Samuel’s expression, “Location, location, location” is everything. But is it?
Let’s consider the following two cases.
Scenario 1
After renting a tiny apartment for three years, a young family consisting of mom, dad and baby, are thinking about purchasing their first house. They have noticed builders nearby, laying the groundwork for a group of homes and apartment buildings. The couple has several friends in the neighborhood. Both commute to jobs using the subway system.
Location is not a key factor.
This couple does not yet have an urgent drive to leave their neighbourhood but would like to break into the housing market with a starter home. It is a short-term investment for their family’s future. They can earn income from their house or anticipate selling it during an uptick in the market.
Scenario 2
After renting a tiny apartment for six years, a young family consisting of mom, dad and two children aged five and three are considering homeownership. They have not noticed too many schools or young children in their rather noisy neighborhood. They have begun to yearn for the quieter, greener surroundings and child-friendly streets of a house in the suburbs.
Location is vital.
This family is ready to move on to what they consider to be a better place. They are seeking a location that will satisfy their family’s needs for the long term. They need to research residential areas before they look at building plans or houses for sale. They must carefully consider communities, schools, shopping and other conveniences, as well as health and recreational facilities. Their top considerations when buying a house are employment opportunities in the area or a well-developed infrastructure for commuting. They will also try to anticipate the potential growth or decline of a location.
Scenarios 1 and 2 are quite different. They do, however, reflect the considerations of younger families. Middle-aged and retired couples are often more in tune with their needs. They’ll have an easier time locating the perfect house in the most suitable place to meet their changing requirements.
What: Checking everything about the house you want to buy
One of the most enjoyable aspects of buying a house is viewing it for the first time. However, this is where your most demanding work begins. Two very different facets of inspection demand your attention:
- Is the house structurally sound? Without a background in construction or engineering, you may need to rely on the input of a professional.
- Is the house a fit for you and your family? Only you can answer this subjective question.
Let’s examine some top considerations when buying a house from the perspective of its physical condition, as well as its emotional impact.
Type
You’ll likely decide on your preferred type of house structure before viewing any homes. A large percentage of Americans want to live in single-family detached homes. This is a popular choice because of the privacy it offers. These houses are frequently built on three levels, including a basement. If you are advancing in years, consider the potential challenge of many stairs and whether you can continue the upkeep of a large house.
General condition
If you notice peeling paint and warped floor tiles, request some background information about the owners. If they have lived through bad times recently, this does not necessarily indicate serious structural problems with the house. The owners may even agree to lower the asking price.
Messiness
You are not particularly interested in how other people live. However, if the house is dirty and untidy, regard this as a red flag. It is possible that the current owners are not house proud and have not kept up with regular maintenance and repairs. Conversely, try to identify signs of a quick fixup job, such as the smell of fresh paint.
Orientation
If you reside in the northern hemisphere, a south-facing home brings you warmth and light. In colder climates, this position will help you save on heating expenses. However, in hotter climates, your air-conditioning bills will rise. The direction your house faces is not necessarily good or bad. Large windows on the “darker” side of the house can help replace heat and light. What is important is how the design of the house compensates for excessive cold or heat and a lack of natural lighting.
Design
First impressions are invaluable. When you walk into the house, does it calm you? Do you feel at home? Beyond first impressions, however, take a deeper look at the practical design of each room. Can you live with the fact that the master bedroom windows face the neighbor’s living room? Is there enough closet space in the house? Can you fit your upright freezer inside the kitchen?
Renovations
The best time to renovate a home is before you move in. When you view a house, take a deep look at areas you would like to change to your liking. If your budget does not include renovations, calculate how much you can afford to change now and what you should postpone for the future.
Building flaws
One cannot overstate the importance of checking for structural defects. Take your time exploring the house or bring a knowledgeable friend to accompany you. Look for mold, damp stains, decaying floors and evidence of seams from additions. Don’t hold back from checking the plumbing, electrical box, roof and windows, even if you must hire certified inspectors to do the job for you.
Your neighbor’s top considerations when buying a house are different to yours
Your goals are unique. Your top considerations when buying a house depend on your life experiences, family obligations, job status and stage of life. Your list of items to consider may keep fluctuating. Keep your eye on the ball and prioritize what you wish to achieve now. Buying a house is a costly endeavor, so proceed with caution while still enjoying the experience. When you do decide to move home, check out our great checklist.
