If it’s your first time buying a home, you may be unsure what to look for. You’re just viewing homes and looking for something that speaks to you.
But this is a major investment. What types of details should you really focus on? Here are a few pieces of helpful advice.
Consider what you need
It’s often best to ignore aesthetic or decorative choices. You can always change the color of the countertops or update the flooring style. Instead, look at the things you know you must have, such as enough bedrooms for your children or a home office if you work from home.
Major defects
Next, it is important to look for damage to the home. Evidence could include cracks in the floor or leaks in the roof. But remember that you aren’t the only person who should be looking for those details. Your realtor will likely help, and you will probably hire a licensed home inspector. They should be able to tell you about any defects or damage, allowing you to adjust your offer price or have the repairs made in advance.
The location
Finally, just think about the location and how it’s going to suit your life. It’s not all about the house. Maybe you have young children, for instance, so it’s important to live near a park or a good school system. Maybe you travel the world for work, flying to meetings in Europe or East Asia, so you want to live near an airport. Remember that the home you choose is more than the physical building itself.
As you work through this process, because buying a home is such a substantial investment, take the time to carefully consider all of your legal options.