Our homes are the place where everything in life begins. We sleep, eat, work, and even find time to relax. Our families meet and play there. Sometimes our business and work life is done there too. There are many things to look for in a home. Knowing what is right for you is all about your perceived Value. These ten ways will help you focus upon the right home....
1. Location, Location, Location! This where it all begins. Does this home provide access to the things you need every day?. Everyone is different and sometimes you will need to eliminate a house selection because of location. Maybe you have medical needs, so access to care and hospitals is important. How far away is the local police and fire services? What about shopping? Where is the nearest park or playground?
2. Your Work Commute. Even if you work at home and your commute is from the bedroom to the den or garage, your commute has to work for you.If it is miles you travel, then knowing the traffic pattern is important. The hidden cost of transportation is part of the value of your home.
3. Schools play an important role in the community. Not only are they for education, but events and community gatherings held there may play a role in your life. Are the schools rated properly to fit your family. Do they offer special educational needs and opportunity for your family?
4. The Neighborhood While it is possible that the neighborhood might be farther down on your priority list, it is important to take a look around both in daytime and especially at night time. Things change in just 24 hours. The serene and peaceful neighborhood by day could be a loud and highly active place at night, just when you need your rest. Check out commute times also. Do commuters use your planned neighborhood as a shortcut? Is there a neighborhood watch, or a Home Owner's Association? Sometimes you just might be surprised by what you find. If the neighborhood fits you and your family lifestyle then keep it on the hot list.
5. Resale Value Get to know mare about your resale value by asking your Agent to find accurate information. Your home is shelter, but also an investment if you plan properly. Are the hoes in the neighborhood being maintained properly and do they look like they are rundown or being improved? The best values are in neighborhoods that feel like everybody cares.
6. The Long-Term fit The average homeowner moves about once in seven years. So some more often and many less often. Does the home you are selecting fit your long term need? Maybe your family is growing up or increasing in size. How long will the kids share a room? Maybe your parents will live with you someday. Or what about those friends and family on vacation. Will you have room for guests? Will there be a line forming at the bathroom? Think about parking, maybe it's only one or two cars now but what happens when your child is able to drive? Or when your in-laws stay with you? Thinking ahead can save you a huge amount of worry and expense.Buying the wrong home that is not a long-term fit may cause you to call that expensive moving van again.
7. Privacy or Lack of Privacy Many times we think that what our neighbor does every morning at 5 AM should be different. Or maybe because the house is on the corner you could experience headlights in your windows after dark. Does your backyard face the windows of a 24 unit apartment building? Privacy is important and you will have to live with or without it as long as you own this home. Visit the home by day and night. Stop an chat with a potential future neighbor, they usually have lots to talk about especially when things are great! What about privacy inside the home? Sometimes you need that place to get away and read a book or take a quiet nap.
8. Features Buying a home is much like buying a car. How does it feel? Is it large enough? Do you like the colors and surfaces? Do the places I spend most of my time in the home feel right? Is the kitchen cramped or laid out incorrectly? When we entertain, how does that work? Where are the windows and what can you see? Is the yard the right size for your family or pets? So you need a workshop, is there room in the garage or basement? Is the kitchen miles away from the garage? Remember those groceries you have to carry in. Does the home face the right direction for you? Follow the sun around the home and see for yourself. What about the laundry room location? Is it convenient or does it just add more work and time spent in your day? Can the kids get ready for school in time because the home has the right bathrooms? Lots to think about here.
9. Condition and Price How old is that roof? Do the faucets drip or have issues shutting off? Do the floors squeak when you walk on them? And what exactly is that smell? Maybe this is a second home or rental property, but in any case the condition of the home dictates a lot about value. If things have been left in poor condition, then the price should reflect the condition. This is where price negotiation will play a role in your overall plan. Being a DIY person is only fun for a while. Understand the costs of replacement and labor to make this house your home.
10. You and Your Family The folks you trust the most will tell you a lot about the future of this house. How do you feel about that? How will your family members feel every time they walk through the front door? Spend time with them in every room and listen to their comments. Think about what that will mean when the excitement of a new home is replaced with daily life. No point in living with regrets over the place we live. It needs to be a fit for the entire family.
I am sure you can find more criteria for your selection, but these are the ones I hear the most when showing homes to prospective buyers. If you are selling your home, these 10 points will help you consider what buyers will think about your home. In the end it is all about Value and that should be the number one reason for buying or selling your home.
Comments