When you are shopping for a house to buy, there is a bit more to the process than looking for a specific floor plan, size of home, and number of bedrooms. As a home buyer, you need to consider all aspects of a home and what it means to you as its future homeowner. Here are some recommendations to help you search for and find the right house to buy.
Look at Your Landscaping Requirements
Just as you look at the property's interior size and accommodating bedrooms and bathrooms, you should also consider the lot and yard surrounding the physical structure. The condition of the yard and its landscaping, or also a lack of landscaping, can make a difference in your costs and time investment once you are the owner.
If, for example, you buy a home with elaborate beautiful landscaping that will require a great deal of time each week to maintain, you will need to be able to put the time or money into maintaining it and its value. If you allow the landscaping to become overgrown with weeds and neglected, it can reduce the home's value and is a detriment to your investment.
On the opposite side, you might buy a home that has no landscaping because it is a new construction home or the home's previous owners allowed the yard to grow wild with weeds and brambles. This home would provide you with a potential for equity growth if you choose to install a yard, and you would benefit from its addition. However, it will cost you money and time if you do any of the work yourself to add in the yard.
Consider the Property Age
The year a home was built and its structural age can also be a big factor in your purchase decision. An older home that was built over 100 years ago is going to have its own charm, character, and craftsmanship that you cannot find in a home built today, but it can also be a potential money pit for repairs on aging systems. For example, a home that is older may still have its original plumbing line and will need a thorough inspection and a possible replacement.
However, not all older homes have their original systems that need replacement. A previous owner may have updated some or all the home interior components so it is up-to-date and working more efficiently. So, always ask the owner if any systems in the home have been updated and if any major renovations were recently completed.
But don't let this deter you from buying an older home. More modern homes might have their share of needed repairs, such as an aging HVAC or older kitchen appliances that will need replacing. Always hire a professional home inspection to alleviate any concerns in this area.
For more information, contact local real estate professionals.