When you’re on the market to buy a new property, it can be exciting to go and view houses, and you might fall in love with one there are then. That’s great, but don’t rush – the first viewing of any property is about the heart, and the second (the most important) is about the head. Once you have found a property you like, always go back and take another look with an open mind and determine whether it really is right for you. Here are some things to look for.
Think about location
Making sure you know where you want to move to is essential, and there’ll be plenty of considerations to make such as the local area, transport, and commutes to work and school for example. To get inspired search for houses for sale in California and you’ll find plenty that you might want to take a look at if this is a location you are considering. This decision should be made early on in the house hunting process as it will save you time. Try to pinpoint certain areas as this will helpfully narrow down your search.
Look Beyond The Décor
The current owner’s taste is not necessarily going to be the same as yours, and if you let the color of a room or the furnishings in it distract you, you might miss out on the perfect home for you. Walls can always be repainted, and carpets can be replaced, so look beyond these cosmetic things into the heart of the home.
Energy Costs
Something that you do need to consider when buying a home are the costs involved. These are not just the costs associated with moving, but the ongoing ones, particularly the energy costs. An older building may cost more to heat and cool, for example, so make sure that your monthly budget can take the extra outgoings.
Room For You
Does the property have enough room for you? What might seem big enough now could suddenly become a lot smaller when you place your furniture in it, so always take a measuring tape and see what space would be left when you have your bed in place, for example. If you’re planning to expand your family, this should also be taken into account, as well as if you run a business from home. You may wish to add personality to the outside space with outdoor cabinets, for example, but if there isn’t room, you may need to look elsewhere.
Plumbing
Take a look at all the pipes that you can see and turn on all the faucets to get an idea of what the plumbing is like. This is another expensive problem to fix if it goes wrong, so it’s best to look before you buy. Check for mold, leaks (or evidence of old leaks) and other water damage too.
The Land
Buying a property isn’t always just about the house; sometimes it’s about the land that comes with it too. Check out the yard and the area around the property – could there be a problem with wildfires or flooding? Do you share any land with another property and what are those neighbors like? Are the fences in the right places?
Take A Deep Breath
Visit the property at a variety of different times and take a deep breath. It may sound strange, but some areas are prone to nasty smells such as garbage and sewage depending on the time of day and how the wind is blowing. You’ll want to know about this before you commit to buying anything.
Insulation
Insulation is an important part of maintaining a house. With the right insulation, you can save on your energy bills as the house will naturally keep warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Does the house you intend to buy have adequate insulation? This may not be a deal breaker, but it could give you room to negotiate.
Try Everything
If you’re hoping to buy a house, then you need to check absolutely everything in it. That means all the faucets, all the light switches, all the doors to rooms and cupboards. It means opening the windows and checking locks and flushing the toilets. You might even try drinking the water from the tap. Check it all out to ensure you would be happy living there.
Have A Home Inspection
Because you can’t pick up absolutely everything, it’s a good idea to engage a professional to carry out a home inspection. This will give you an additional layer of security and will point out any issues that you may have missed on your visits to the property.
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