10 Things to Look for in Your New Home

When you’re house hunting, it can be easy to be overcome by the experience. There are so many things to look at and compare.

• How do you know what repairs matter and which don’t?
• How do you know which projects you can afford and which ones are out of your budget?
• How can you understand all of the little things your realtor is telling you?
• How can you process all of this information now to make the right decision later?

That’s why today, we want to get really honest with you. We know that buying a new home isn’t easy. But we want to try and make it easier for you. We’re going to share with you the ten things you should be looking for in your new home. So, if you’re in the market for a new home, keep reading. This is definitely for you.

Property Size

Property size is often an overlooked part of the home buying process. Before you buy your next home, think about the size of property that you are looking for.

• How much land do you want to mow?
• How much yard work are you interested in doing?
• What will the size of your property do for your resale value?
• Do you need outdoor space for your children or animals?

The property that you home sits on can have a major impact on whether or not you want to stay there long term. So, when you’re looking at home, also look at the property that comes with them.

Does the foundation need fixing?

The foundation of your home can be one of the most expensive repairs for you to make. Before you purchase your home, be sure to ask an inspector about the state of your home’s foundation? Is this something that you will have to repair in the next ten years?

What type of exterior is your home?
It’s a good idea to assess the exterior of your home. Depending on the type of siding, there may be necessary repairs you’ll have to make within the next few years. If the home is older and has wood siding, be aware that it will cost you to repaint it and repair any warped wood. If your home is brick with ivy growing, be aware of what repairs for that may look like. Don’t just look at the interior of your home before you purchase it, make sure you look at the outside, too.

Does your home have air conditioning?

Many homes in Michigan don’t come with air conditioning. But, if air conditioning is important, you may want to pay attention as you house hunt. Adding an air conditioning unit to your home could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Do you have city water or well water?

Be aware of what type of water your home has. Well-water means that you are responsible for hiring someone to pump you septic tank. If this is something that you do not want, then you should look for a home that hooks up to a city water system.

Has the home been flipped or remodeled?

If you are considering buying a home that has been flipped or remodeled, it’s important that at you do your research! You can check out this post to learn more about buying homes that have been flipped.

What kind of condition is the roof?

When you are looking at homes to purchase, be aware of one of the most expensive home repairs: your roof. Ask your realtor about each home’s roof: when was it last replaced? How many layers are on it? When will it need to be replaced?

Is the electrical system up to par?

For the sake of safety and your bank account, you want to make sure that there are no major electrical issues. Without a doubt, electrical problems can be dangerous and expensive! Any easy way to avoid buying a home with electricity problems is to have an inspection done by a company you trust. If you aren’t sure who to hire for an inspection, please ask us and we can direct you to a local inspector.

Do the bathrooms need to be updated?

Remodeling bathrooms can often end up being a very expensive project. If having an updated bathroom is important to you, you may want to consider adding in the cost of these renovations into your home buying budget.

Is there room for growth?

If you are a family, you want to make sure that the home you’re buying can fit your family’s needs (not just NOW) but in the years to come. Looking out into the future is hugely important. Your home is an investment, so be sure to treat it as such.

If you’re in the process of buying a home, we would love to help you in your journey. Send us an email today. We would love to meet with you, hear your needs and help you find your dream home.