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- Growth potential: Look for a home that can accommodate future life changes that may affect the number of bedrooms/bathrooms needed and square footage required to live comfortably.
- Get an inspection: Your first home may not be extravagant but the basic components of the home should be in good condition. It is absolutely necessary to have the home inspected by a professional before a purchase is made.
- Set your priorities: Your first home may not be totally perfect but make sure that it’s the right home for you. Find the right home by making a list of your “must haves”, “nice to haves”, and “not necessary to haves”. For example, having a three car garage may be great, but would you rather have a home with a larger kitchen or in a nicer neighborhood? Only you can determine what assets are important to have in a home.
- Think about all costs of home ownership: When buying a home, you need to think about the recurring costs you will face as a homeowner, besides just the monthly mortgage payment. Utilities, trash pick up, HOA fees, etc. all need to be factored into your monthly expenses. As a Realtor, I will be able to help you calculate what your monthly costs would be so that you can make an informed decision about what house to buy.
- Consider the lifespan of things: Aside from finding structural and cosmetic flaws before buying, find out what to expect from the home’s components. How much time do you have before you will need to replace the roof, carpet, appliances, or furnace? Everything may be working well right now, but every home will need repairs at some point. Knowing what to expect from your home will help you plan for your future.