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Checklist to Find the Perfect Home

Ken • Oct 20, 2019

Buying a new home can be very exciting, but also overwhelming. You may find yourself looking at multiple types of homes in various locations, trying to figure out exactly what you are looking for. 

Here is a checklist to help you find the perfect home.

Budget

It’s important to consider what kind of home you can afford. This often differs from the kind of home you may qualify to be financed for. It doesn’t come down to how much house you could afford but how much house you can afford.

Location

Location is the most important yet the most often overlooked rule. When considering your dream home, location beats almost all other aspects. It’s much better to have a home in a favored location, versus a home with the amenities you want, but not in the best neighborhood. 

It’s important to look into the education system, crime rates, employment and local amenities. Also, compare home values. How much are nearby homes in the same neighborhood selling for?

Types of locations to consider:

  • View of coast, city or hills
  • Waterfront: River, ocean, lakefront
  • Greenbelt
  • Golf course
  • Suburban
  • City
  • Raised elevation or mountains
  • Cul-de-sac
  • Dead-end street
  • Gated community

Outdoor Space

When you’re looking for your perfect home, consider the outdoor space. If you want a large backyard with a pool and enough room to have a swing set for your children, then you may want to factor in the amount of yard space you’re looking for into your checklist. 

Home buyers who love to garden may want to search for homes with ample room to grow fruits and vegetables. Similarly, h ome buyers who enjoy spending time outdoors may prefer homes with a porch or patio. Do you also want a yard with a bit more privacy? If so, is there room to build a fence or plant bushes?

Energy Efficiency

Finding a home that is energy-efficient not only helps the environment, but can also save you money! For example, a home with many windows may help to save money on electricity because of an abundance of natural light during the day.

Home insulation is just as important. Homes with proper insulation can save you money on gas and electric bills. Some homes may even come with solar panels to help cut energy costs.

Home Exterior 

When house hunting for the perfect home, you should take note of the exterior of the home. Is the roof new or does it need to be replaced? Does it visually look good, and does it have curb appeal

Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Roof
    Make sure there is no sagging roof line, discoloration, or holes that may cause leaking.
  • Foundation, Driveway, & Pool
    Check for any damage in the foundation, driveway, and pool by looking for visible cracks.
  • Siding
    Is the paint peeling? Is it cracked? 
  • Landscaping & Curb Appeal
    Are the trees, lawns, and fence in good condition?
  • Garage
    Whether it is manual or remote controlled, make sure that it functions.
  • Patio/Deck
    Are they stable and in good condition?

Home Amenities

Home buyers often desire certain features in 4 areas of the home: the kitchen, master bedroom, baths, and dining room. 

Here are some features to consider:

  • Space in kitchen/breakfast nook
  • Dining/family combination
  • Appliances
  • Counters
  • Balcony
  • Bathroom: showers, tubs, sink.
  • Vanity mirrors
  • Ceiling fans
  • Programmable thermostats

Other Tips:

  • Take photos
  • Interview & find a realtor before you take a tour
  • Ask about any known damages or home history
  • Stay in your budget
  • Keep your expectations realistic
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