Purchasing a new home and relocating can be exciting. But, it can also feel overwhelming with all of the details involved. Before you start looking for a new home, take time to learn about the process and what you will need to consider along the way.
If you’re like most people you want to buy a new home. But, did you know that there are several things you should think about before going out and purchasing a new home? There’s a lot of things to consider, which is why I am here with some pointers for buying a new home.
1. Consider your needs
If you’re single and don’t have children, the amount of space you need will be very different from what someone with four kids would need. You also need to think about how much outdoor space you want and whether or not you want a house with a yard or one without. Think carefully about what your needs are so that you can find the right type of property for your lifestyle.
Before shopping for a new home, think about what amenities will suit your lifestyle (and what things you could live without). Do you need a large patio for entertaining? Are you looking for an open floor plan? Do you want an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances? Would you like to be close to public transportation? By identifying the things that are most important to you, you’ll be able to focus on homes that meet all or most of your criteria.
2. Compare neighbourhood
Many home buyers are interested in learning as much as they can about a neighbourhood before moving in. This post is part of our ongoing series on Real Estate, and we’ll cover a variety of topics related to finding the right neighbourhood when shopping for a new home.
We’ve talked a lot about buying and selling homes and what it takes to get a good deal on either side. Today, we’re going to talk about something that many people overlook until they have already purchased their home and moved in: the neighbourhood.
Your new home is more than just four walls and a roof. The neighbourhood also has an impact on how you feel about your new home.
Neighbourhoods offer many advantages to residents who take advantage of them. A good neighbourhood will provide transportation options, community centres, parks, places to shop and other amenities that make it more enjoyable and affordable for you to live there.
On the other hand, living in a bad neighbourhood can be expensive, dangerous and stressful. When shopping for a home, it’s important to compare neighbourhoods so you know what you’re getting into before signing any paperwork or spending any money on fees and closing costs.
3. Think long term
Long-term thinking is important when you’re buying a home, because it’s more than just the space you need right now. It’s the place you may live for many years to come.
Here are a few ways to make your new home last longer:
Location, location, location. Think about what matters to you about where you live — whether it’s good schools and a quiet neighborhood, access to public transportation or proximity to work and shopping.
Home features. Do you need a big yard or lots of space? Do you want a two-story house? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you want an open floor plan or do you like walled-off rooms? Having these wishes in mind will help you find the right fit and stay within your budget.
What about the appliances? Most homes come already with the basic appliances. You should make sure that in they are in a good shape, or you’ll need to get appliance repair Winnipeg service in the next few years.
Value. While your immediate needs are important, also consider how your home investment will grow over time. A great way to gauge this is by comparing your monthly mortgage payment with what it would cost to rent a similar property. If they’re close, that could be an indication that the property is fairly valued and won’t necessarily appreciate much over the long term.
4. Get a good home inspection
The home inspection is one of the most important parts of purchasing a home. Before you start shopping for a new house, it’s essential to do your homework on what a home inspection entails, how much they typically cost, what they cover and when you should schedule yours.
A home inspector conducts an inspection and evaluates the condition of a property. A good home inspector will point out any issues with the property that could be a detriment to you down the road. He/she will also give you advice on how to fix those issues.
To make sure your inspector is qualified, ask for references and check their credentials. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has a website that lets you search for certified inspectors in your area. You can also call a local real estate agent and ask for recommendations.
Another thing the people don’t always know, is that the inspector also checks the appliances. As you might know, many houses come with the appliances, so the inspector must check they’re in good working order. For example, if you’ll require a dishwasher repair, this is something you need to know before putting an offer.
