All Things to Consider When Buying a Home

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When you are looking into buying a home, there is a laundry list of things one needs to consider. Some are obvious like price, some are not so obvious. Here are some things that you should always factor in before buying a home.

The Neighborhood

Be sure to research the neighborhood you are thinking of moving to beforehand.

• Local crime reports can be found online or at police stations.
• Check out local amenities and check the Homeowner’s Association contract if there is one.
• Research which school district the home is in. The better the school district, the higher the home value.
• Look into what kinds owners/renters are in the neighborhood. If you have kids, you might want to find a home near other families as opposed to a college campus.

Extra Costs

Take account of extra costs either monthly or annually.

• Remember all repairs and maintenance are on your dollar as a homeowner.
• Gardens are always a great idea in theory, but in reality they can be very expensive and time consuming to maintain.
• If the home has a pool, consider the heating cost and cleaning costs.
• Heating and cooling systems.

Esthetic

• It is easy to get caught up in the view a home has, but be sure that that view is not subject to change. For example: if the land behind your home sells, there goes your view.
• Look beyond staging. Another thing buyers can get caught up in is home staging. Remember to picture your own belongings in the home and not be too persuaded by the look of the staged home.
• The amount of natural light.
• Visit the home at different times of day to ensure that you will be comfortable and aren’t missing anything.

Miscellaneous

• Check property lines in case you are considering any property changes or additions.
• Test out the commute before buying to make sure it is doable for you and your schedule.
• Consider parking and how many cars your family has to accommodate.
• Regional weather conditions and how they will need to be managed.
• If you have animals, be sure that they can be accommodated.
• Privacy.
• Get an in depth inspection before you buy.
• Consider the debt to income ratio.
• Shop around for a mortgage.

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