Shopping for your very first home can be a fun and exciting venture, especially if you are upgrading from a smaller apartment or another living situation. However, it isn't always easy to know how to search for the perfect place since there is a myriad of different properties on the market. Here are three things that should be a priority as you search for a home and why doing your due diligence can be helpful.
1. Close Distance From Work
While you might assume that the scenic drive into the office will be a fun way to relax every day, that long distance could spell trouble the first time you are late for a meeting. Fortunately, by looking for a home that is close to your place of work, you can simplify your routine and pave the way for a more comfortable daily experience.
Before you start looking for a new home, find your workplace on a map and establish an acceptable perimeter. Look for cities that are within a comfortable driving distance to your job and focus on narrowing your search to those areas. After you find the city and neighborhood that you like, spend the time to drive to your office from those areas to see what your commute would be like in normal daily traffic.
2. Quality Construction
Not every home is constructed at the same quality, which is why spending the time to carefully evaluate the construction is so important. Pay attention to the building materials used in the house, and look for finishes that are reminiscent of a high-end home.
From properly installed siding to baseboards that are painted perfectly, be mindful of the finishing details, and do everything you can to choose a home that has been finished to perfection. By taking the time to evaluate the small things in a home, you can rest assured that the larger things have been properly installed and maintained.
3. Professional Landscaping
High-end landscaping can help your home to look and feel more welcoming to others, which is one of the reasons the right landscaping can lend a great deal of value to your home. When you start evaluating a home's landscaping, pay attention to the details used in the yard, and the type of plants they have outdoors. Look for gardens and flowerbeds that have been well-tended.
When you start hunting for a place to call your own, don't hesitate to reach out to a real estate professional to talk about your options. In addition to understanding more about how to search for the right home, take your time to talk with a real estate agent who is familiar with properties in the area. Reach out to a resource like Vickie Gallimore: RE/MAX Central Realty for more information.