Buying a home will most likely be one of the largest investments you ever make, and that is why you need to take your time and find the perfect piece of property. After you have narrowed your choices and found a few homes that seem to meet all of your needs, you then need to start scheduling tours. Here is a look at a few key things that you should be looking for while you are walking through each individual house.
Storage Space
For many buyers, ample storage space is a key feature that can’t be overlooked. Sufficient storage space is especially important if you already have a few children or plan on having more kids in the near future. Options such as mudrooms or extra shelves in the garage could be invaluable as your family continues to grow. Buyers who have quite a bit of seasonal gear might also need to take a look at their options for outdoor storage.
Energy Usage
As you are determining your overall budget for a new home, you need to take a close look at your energy usage. Heating or cooling an inefficient house could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars every single year. In addition to checking all of the appliances, you should also inspect the walls and the state of the insulation. If the current owner doesn’t have their monthly bills from the last year, then you might need to call the utility company and ask them about the average energy consumption of nearby homes.
Signs of Damage
It is perfectly natural for older homes to have at least some damage, but there are a few warning signs that the current owner could be trying to hide a larger issue. Water damage is especially dangerous, and that is why you need to keep an eye out for mold, mildew, discolored walls, and sagging floorboards. Those issues often take place inside areas that are difficult to get to, and you might want to have an experienced real estate agent, such as one from The Pye Team, inspect the home if you are unsure of what to look for.
Privacy
Uncovering privacy issues won’t be as easy as you think unless you know exactly what to look for. You will need to go through every room in the house and see if the windows look directly into any nearby homes. Families that enjoy spending time outdoors will also need to see what kind of view that the neighbors have of their yard or deck.
Finally seeing a home in person can drastically change your opinion, and that is why you must set aside some time to carefully inspect every inch of the property. Catching minor issues before you bid on the home could end up saving you thousands later on.
