A large part of the American Dream is owning a house, white picket fence and all. Yet home hunters should never be hasty when purchasing an abode. 

There are a number of factors to consider, and many of them may never cross your mind. 

5 Tips for House Shopping

Avoid overlooking an element that may cost you down the road with these five tips.  

1. Size

Bigger may look appealing, but it also requires much higher expenses. Replacing a 2,000 square foot home for a 4,000 square foot one can increase the amount of space needed to be cooled and heated by 135%. 

Larger homes also require additional cleaning and expensive renovations. The cost for a roof replacement, for instance, significantly increases. 

However, that doesn’t mean house hunters should be too efficient. No one wants to live in a space that becomes too small for them down the road.  

2. Storage Space

Storage space is one thing many viewers forget to consider. Take the time to open cupboards, look into closets and navigate attics and basements. 

Since the average homeowner possesses 300,000 items, these areas are vitally important. They also help mental health; cluttered homes were a source of stress for 55% of respondents in a recent Huffington Post survey. 

3. Energy Efficiency

Always consider how energy efficient the new house will be. Call utility companies to inquire about the previous year’s average energy use and check for signs of healthy insulation. 

Investigate the age of windows and doors; these can be good indicators of air leaks. Consider how many ceiling fans are in the house and which compass direction the house faces. Buildings facing to the north and south offer efficient heating and cooling during the seasons.  

Lighting is yet another consideration, as it comprises about 10% of a household’s electricity bill. Homes with plentiful natural light reduce the reliance on heating in the winter and lighting at night. 

4. Appliances

Always ask about appliances and inspect them yourself. Replacing appliances can be costly, and a home’s machines have significant impacts on monthly bills. 

Ask the realtor or homeowner about:

• HVAC systems
• Water heaters
• Thermostats
• Stoves
• Dishwashers
• Plumbing

Know the age and models of the equipment. If you are considering a replacement, always ask about warranties. 

How much is an extended warranty really worth, you might wonder. To potential homeowners, quite a bit: if the previous homeowner has an extended warranty on an appliance, you can save lots of money if it needs to be replaced. 

5. The Future 

Finally, don’t forget to consider the future. In 10 years, will you want to climb up and down those steps? Could you have a new child or decide to remodel that old kitchen? 

Look at potential houses as if you were selling them yourself. 

With these simple tips, you won’t regret the home you buy. Instead, you’ll love it even more than you thought you could.