Here’s what to look for when buying a home.
you might change almost everything else, but you might’t change your home’s location.
Also think about access to parks, shopping, schools, and public transportation.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
2.
The Site
Beyond location, look at the site of the home.
Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home?
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses?
Is access to the property safe regarding driveway elevation or stairs to the front door?
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
3.
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The Neighborhood
Be sure the neighborhood, and not just the house, meets your expectations.
To research a neighborhood, drive around on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening.
Are homes in the neighborhood consistent in size and features?
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Do the neighbors keep the yards clean and tidy, or are there old cars and trash around?
Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run, or bike?
Also, see whether it’s a child-friendly or pet-friendly neighborhood if that’s important to you.
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4.
The Home’s Curb Appeal
Your home should reflect your design preferences and your lifestyle.
Do you live a laid-back life and not want a lot of exterior maintenance?
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Then, you might want to skip a formalVictorianorTudor-stylehome with lots of intricate features to keep up.
Consider something simpler, such as abrick home.
Also, ask yourself whether the roof and any decks or patios are in good condition.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
And check out the landscaping to determine how much yard maintenance you’ll have to do.
And it will take more furniture to fill the home and more effort to keep it clean.
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6.
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Don’t just assume you’ll be able to add more square footage later.
Think about who will be living in your home now and who might be in the future.
Kitchen remodels can becostly and time-consuming.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Sure, many people prefer to go the remodeling route to get exactly what they want.
The Closets and Storage
Older homes tend to have small closets and not a lot of storage space overall.
The Windows and Lighting
Check out the views from the windows and how much natural light they let in.
The Spruce / Sophia Reay
Furthermore, note where there are built-in light fixtures and outlets in each room.
The Spruce / Sophia Reay
10.
Plus, tech updates, such as asmart thermostator a home security system, can be a huge draw.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
