The Ins and Outs of House-Hunting: Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Home
Buying a house is one of the most exciting adult milestones in any person’s life. From attending house inspections to letting the ink dry on the paperwork, there’s nothing more satisfying than being able to settle into a house you’ve bought yourself. However, with the excitement comes difficult decisions and the need to be practical. The whole process of buying a house can also be daunting, so taking things at a reasonable pace can help to assuage any fears or misgivings you may have. The following tips are some essential things to remember when beginning the process of buying your own home. So read ahead, educate yourself, and enjoy the ride!
Be realistic about what you can afford
The first and most important step in your journey to buying your own home is determining how much you can spend. This relates to everything from home loan repayments; to moving costs; to house repairs. This amount needs to cover all bases, from the beginning of the search to after you move in.
This is where being pragmatic comes in handy. Don’t waste your time treading carefully around your financial situation; dive right in and realistically evaluate how much money you have to work with, and how much you’ll have in the near future. Be sure to also educate yourself where necessary. Look into current market trends and research home loan options, so that you have a reasonable idea of potential costs.
Figure out your needs
When picturing your dream home, it can be easy to get carried away with visions of swimming pools and marble kitchens, and whilst these are awesome features to have in a home, they are not necessarily considered needs. Your needs relate to important and potentially complicating factors such as location, or accessibility. Are you searching for a home that simplifies and advances your life, or one that creates unnecessary complications? For example, look for homes that are easily accessible from your workplace and any other places you may frequent. Proximity to family members and friends is also something to consider, as it ensures you’re constantly close to important support networks.
Other significant things to consider include the number of bedrooms; size of the kitchen; inclusion of laundries or garages, etc. When commencing your house-hunting, also consider features like pools or gardens. Whilst they appear to be sources of entertainment or aesthetic pleasure, they can also equate to a large amount of work down the track. Pools, gardens, ponds or certain landscaping features require a lot of upkeep and maintenance, so it’s worth your while to consider whether you’re really willing or able to put in the necessary time and effort they demand.
Do a thorough inspection
Any experienced home buyer will tell you that one of the crucial elements of house-hunting is performing a thorough inspection of the property before sealing the deal. Whilst a house may look perfect from the outset and have no obvious flaws or imperfections, there is always the aspect of more than meets the eye. Even the best houses will generally have some slight imperfections, even if those defects don’t have a large impact. If you don’t feel confident conducting an informed and comprehensive inspection yourself, you can organise to have a professional come and evaluate the property. Otherwise, aside from checking for obvious defects: be on the lookout for signs of animal infestation or damage; major structural issues; the general cleanliness of cupboards/hidden areas, and the state of appliances and systems.
Give it time and effort
Last but not least, take your time. Finding your perfect home is not a process that should be rushed or taken lightly. Not only are you investing a large amount of money into this property, but it will also be where you spend a fair amount of your time. You don’t want to coast quickly through the experience only to realise after signing the paperwork and spending your money, that the house you’ve purchased requires major work or is a terrible fit. Above all else, be honest with yourself as to what you want out of your new home and your life in general. Taking the time to find a property that enhances and simplifies your life will be well worth it in the end, and will save you valuable time and unnecessary stress.
