You’ve finally saved up enough money to buy your first home for your growing family. You begin to do research online, but you feel overwhelmed by the ton of information. With so many aspects to consider, you aren’t sure where to begin.
The Neighbourhood
Some parents make the mistake of picking a house before researching the neighbourhood. This can be problematic in cities with catchment school systems because kids in such cities must usually attend schools assigned to their neighbourhoods.
For this reason, you should start your house hunting journey with the neighbourhood. Look for a neighbourhood that has well-maintained homes with access to great schools, parks, and public transport.
Instead of wasting valuable time browsing various websites, visit www.schoolq.ca for instant access to school and neighbourhood information, so that you can find your dream neighbourhood and dream school quickly. Once you’ve honed in on the perfect location, you can use the website to connect with a Neighbourhood Expert who knows the area like the back of their hand and can help you buy the ideal house for your family.
The Size of the House
Think carefully about the size of the house that suits your family’s needs and fits your budget. While most families want at least two bedrooms, you may need more if you have children. An extra bedroom can always come in handy as a guestroom, office, playroom or workout area.
Likewise, consider how many bathrooms your family needs. An extra bathroom will be useful when your children grow older or when guests visit.
The Age of the House
While older houses can be more charming and larger than smaller and more expensive homes, they may also need more repairs and upgrades. Also, older homes tend to be less energy efficient than newer homes, resulting in higher energy bills.
While newer homes can be costlier, they usually feature energy-efficient designs, modern fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms, and contemporary architecture. Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both types of homes, and the final decision may depend on your personal preference.
Driveway, Lawn, and Yard
If your family owns multiple vehicles, then look for homes with extra parking space. If your future home doesn’t have a garage, then you may need a driveway big enough to accommodate multiple vehicles, especially if curb parking is forbidden in the neighbourhood.
If you have kids, then you may want a home that either has a lawn, a yard, or both, where children can develop countless precious lasting memories. You can also use these areas to socialize in the summer by hosting a barbeque.
The Appliances
The appliances that come with a home can vary greatly. Some homes feature the latest stoves, fridges, microwaves, and even smart home devices such as AI-controlled lights, thermostats, and security cameras. Conversely, others may only have an ageing fridge and stove.
The appliances can also vary by type. For example, while some homes feature electric ovens, others have the gas-powered variety. If you have strong preferences for appliances, then you may need to spend significantly more to upgrade if a potential home doesn’t have what you demand.
These are some features you should consider before buying a new house. While there are multiple factors to consider, you can make the process easier by staying flexible and prioritizing your wants.