
Purchasing a new home can be viewed as a large part of the American dream for some. You can easily find yourself thinking about the day you sign your name on the dotted line and receive your keys in hand. It’s exciting to think of what color you will paint each room and all of the DIY projects to tackle. Who can forget the must-have granite countertops and stainless steel appliances? These are all so exciting and definitely a part of the process, but what are you really supposed to be looking for when buying your first home?
Ensuring that your new home is just right is so much more than what you may have pinned on your Pinterest board. Some tend to ask the right questions at the wrong time which can lead to trouble down the line, so here are a few questions you should be asking yourself when narrowing down the perfect home for you and your family.
What is the surrounding area like?
A beautiful home with all the right features may seem picture perfect, but if it’s located in the wrong area it can lead to issues down the line. Consider factors like nearby bodies of water that may cause damage after a natural disaster or a local bar that might bring unwanted noise and riff-raff to your area when night falls. Be sure your home is not located within proximity of a busy street or a train track that may become an issue when you’re trying to catch up on your sleep.
Is there enough lighting?
A home can be staged to look as if the lighting is just right during your first viewing, but when you decide to add some plant life you may find that your greenery may become a little less lifeless in certain rooms. Make sure that you check to see which direction the home is located. The direction of the home can either leave you with a dark, cold, drab home or rooms that are overexposed to the sunlight and can overheat in the warmer months. Decide what it is that you desire when it comes to natural light and temperature for your new home and make sure that is what you look for during your home search.
Is the home structurally sound?
No one wants what seems to be an immaculate home to end up actually having a leaky roof or a cracked foundation. Take the time to look past the outer appearance that may seem to be put together and have the home inspected by a professional to ensure that you aren’t purchasing a lemon of a house. By enlisting the help of a professional home inspector, you’ll have the opportunity to learn if there is a need for a roof replacement, or if there are foundation issues, poor tiling, mold, and even water damage.
Is the home properly ventilated?
Proper ventilation can be a second thought, but a very necessary factor when selecting your new residence. If your prospective home is improperly ventilated, it allows for extra moisture to remain which in turn can cause mold as well as an increase in allergies. Look for signs as you complete your walk through like bubbled or peeling paint around windows, doors, or vents, which will indicate that there is moisture in the walls and ceiling. Taking these precautions will be very helpful when deciding on whether or not to purchase a particular home.
Take the time to investigate and look past the typical home staging tactics to uncover any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Inquire and do your research along with enlisting the help of a professional. All in all, ensure that you are not approaching the walkthrough of your next home as if you’re sightseeing; only appreciating its charming features. Make sure you ask all of the right questions to get your dime’s worth of the “American dream.”