Buying a new home is a complex and time-consuming process, and is perhaps the biggest investment of your life.
Other than completing the paperwork and paying the mortgage, you must also evaluate the property’s features.
While your priorities may differ from other buyers, there are some common key features everyone should consider before making a final decision.
A difference in them can have a lasting impact on your buying decision, so you should consider them all equally before signing the papers.
Below we have listed the common features every buyer should consider when buying a house.
Location
This is the most important feature of a new house and is prioritized by most buyers. The weather, culture, and rules of the new location will shape your lifestyle, so do thorough research before making a decision.
Check the neighborhood to see the kind of people you’ll be living with, and also check if the crime rate of that area is tolerable.
You can choose to live in a secluded area or go for a home community. Beacon Lake homes for sale offer a feeling of belonging within their home community and have all the needed amenities for new families.
House Size and Age
The perfect house size will comfortably house all the members and have enough space for their growth and regular activity.
Houses that are too big usually have unused space or rooms. On the other hand, houses that are too small can be detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of the occupants.
Check the age of the house before buying it. Old houses might require frequent repairs and add extra expenditure.
Number of Rooms
The number of rooms in a should be consistent with the number of occupants.
A living room, proper kitchen and dining area, a well-equipped kitchen, and enough bathrooms for the occupants are mandatory.
There should be enough bedrooms for the occupants to live comfortably. If there are lower numbers of bathrooms than bedrooms, check their position to ensure that all members have equal and easy access to them.
Kitchen
The kitchen should be well-lit and properly furnished. You should be able to clean it efficiently as you’ll prepare all your meals here. An unhygienic kitchen can make your family sick more often.
Check the cabinets, storage options, and appliances to ensure that they’re in good health and don’t require drastic repair.
Remodeling a kitchen is time-consuming and expensive, so make sure the new kitchen comes in good condition.
The size of the kitchen should also be big enough for you to move within it comfortably. The kitchen layout should also support it.
Appliances and Fittings
Properly inspect the appliances and fittings before signing the papers. These are the most delicate components of the house and can be determinants of added unforeseen expenditure.
Also, if you prefer a traditional stove over the electric one, pay attention to what your new house is offering.
Check the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, microwave, humidifier, and water heater to ensure that they are in good condition.
If you’re unable to detect any issues, you can hire a home inspector and get a report.
Lighting and Ventilation
Lighting and ventilation is another key aspect of any house. Lack of proper lighting can make navigation difficult, and lack of proper ventilation can make you sick.
Large windows allow more sunlight inside the room, which stabilizes your mood and kills bacteria and molds. Similarly, proper ventilation allows fresh air to pass through the house and keeps the air pure and breathable.
Check all the light fixtures of the house to determine their condition. Add new ones that natural light can’t access.
Storage Areas
Storage areas are an important part of a house and should come with a proper locking system for maximum security.
The closet space should be big enough to accommodate all your clothes. The kitchen should have large cabinets and pantry space.
Most houses have a basement which works perfectly as an added storage. If you have multiple cars, make sure that the garage is big enough to store all your cars. It should also have good security.
Many houses come with outdoor storage – such as a shed – which can store machinery, tools, and lawn-mowing equipment.
Exterior and Curb Appeal
The exterior adds much value to the house and makes it attractive to new buyers. Check the condition of the roof as a damaged roof is extremely costly to repair or replace.
The house siding shouldn’t have signs of water damage or leakages. The landscaping should have well-manicured lawns, shrubs, and trees, adding to the curb appeal.
The front door and windows should look pristine and must not have signs of damage. The overall house should be nice to look at and should have an appealing color scheme so that it looks welcoming from a distance.
Buying a house is a lifetime investment. So, you should cross-check as many features as possible to ensure that your money is well spent.
If the house comes in good condition, you don’t only save a lot of money on repairs but also claim a handsome amount when you decide to sell it.