Choosing a home is a huge decision, and people often make some big mistakes when they select a house to purchase. While a good real estate agent can help steer you toward a house that truly meets your needs, there are some aspects of home buying that are important to consider. Here are just a few tips that might keep you from buying the wrong home.
Think about all of the costs associated with home buying, especially if this is your first time buying a home. Aside from closing costs and down payment, which eat up a chunk of your savings, think about the costs that occur monthly and yearly. This includes association dues and property taxes. While on paper, you might actually be able to afford the actual mortgage payment; can you also afford association dues, taxes and insurance? If your house costs $300,000, you'll pay about $3,000 or more in property taxes. Association dues can be quite affordable, but in some communities, they can be hundreds of dollars each month.
You not only have to like the actual house, you really need to like the location. Liking the neighborhood on that first visit isn't enough, either. Remember, you home will always be at that location and while the interior and yard can be changed, you cannot move it away from a busy street. If it is across from the local elementary school, that school will be there long after your children have headed off to high school and college. If it backs up to the freeway or a noisy road or is located in the flight path of a major airport, this also cannot be changed. You also need to think about the distance from your workplace, from grocery stores, drug stores and other places you frequent.
We have all seen people on home buying shows walk into an ugly, outdated home and simply fail to see the hidden potential. Decor can always be changed and most decorative changes are fairly easy to make, although they are sometimes quite costly. However, you might find an amazing updated home that looks move-in ready and want to make an offer. Step back for a minute and think. Does it have enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Does the kitchen have plenty of good cupboard space and workspaces? Are the closets big enough? The bones of a home and the quality of the home are far more important than how it looks.
While you might hope to make this move your last one, you still might have to sell it at some point. You need to look at the home's resale potential. For example, if it is close to great schools and on a quiet, picturesque street, this will appeal to many buyers. An open floor plan and plenty of natural light also appeals to buyers. Strange home layouts are hard to fix, as well, and as stated before, people rarely want to live on a noisy or busy street. Resale might not be at the top of your concerns list, but it should be something you at least consider briefly before purchasing a home.
When you are ready to search for that perfect home in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, contact the experts at 1st InSite. This real estate team can find a home that fits your needs and budget. They can help you find Walnut Creek homes for sale, Danville homes for sale, Alamo homes for sale or homes in Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga or any other city that interests you.
Think about all of the costs associated with home buying, especially if this is your first time buying a home. Aside from closing costs and down payment, which eat up a chunk of your savings, think about the costs that occur monthly and yearly. This includes association dues and property taxes. While on paper, you might actually be able to afford the actual mortgage payment; can you also afford association dues, taxes and insurance? If your house costs $300,000, you'll pay about $3,000 or more in property taxes. Association dues can be quite affordable, but in some communities, they can be hundreds of dollars each month.
You not only have to like the actual house, you really need to like the location. Liking the neighborhood on that first visit isn't enough, either. Remember, you home will always be at that location and while the interior and yard can be changed, you cannot move it away from a busy street. If it is across from the local elementary school, that school will be there long after your children have headed off to high school and college. If it backs up to the freeway or a noisy road or is located in the flight path of a major airport, this also cannot be changed. You also need to think about the distance from your workplace, from grocery stores, drug stores and other places you frequent.
We have all seen people on home buying shows walk into an ugly, outdated home and simply fail to see the hidden potential. Decor can always be changed and most decorative changes are fairly easy to make, although they are sometimes quite costly. However, you might find an amazing updated home that looks move-in ready and want to make an offer. Step back for a minute and think. Does it have enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Does the kitchen have plenty of good cupboard space and workspaces? Are the closets big enough? The bones of a home and the quality of the home are far more important than how it looks.
While you might hope to make this move your last one, you still might have to sell it at some point. You need to look at the home's resale potential. For example, if it is close to great schools and on a quiet, picturesque street, this will appeal to many buyers. An open floor plan and plenty of natural light also appeals to buyers. Strange home layouts are hard to fix, as well, and as stated before, people rarely want to live on a noisy or busy street. Resale might not be at the top of your concerns list, but it should be something you at least consider briefly before purchasing a home.
When you are ready to search for that perfect home in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, contact the experts at 1st InSite. This real estate team can find a home that fits your needs and budget. They can help you find Walnut Creek homes for sale, Danville homes for sale, Alamo homes for sale or homes in Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga or any other city that interests you.
About the Author:
Madeleine Glazier enjoys blogging about the real estate industry. If you are searching for Danville real estate agents, or to find Danville homes for sale, please check out the 1stInsite.com site today.
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