One of the major life accomplishments many people want to achieve is to become a homeowner. If you’re in the financial position to put down a deposit and obtain a mortgage, your dream will soon become a reality! Your first home is going to be one of the biggest splurges you’ll ever make. For that reason, you want to ensure you find a property that aligns with your needs and will be somewhere that promotes peace, comfort, and relaxation.
Starting the property search can be a daunting affair. However, you don’t have to do it alone! We’re here to assist. To whittle down the list and help you find the perfect first home, here are some important things to look out for.
Table of Contents
Location
Arguably the most important question of all – where would you like to purchase your first home? While you can change practically everything else, you cannot change your home’s location! When you start house hunting, you need to consider how the property is situated on the lot, how close it is to the office, and whether you’re near friends and family.
If you’re looking to move to Greenville, South Carolina, let EZ Home Search help you. They have an extensive list of Greenville homes for sale that are housed in desirable locations. Ultimately, you just want to make sure wherever you set up the base is near to amenities and everything you need.
Neighborhood
If you find the property of your dreams that meets all your expectations, it’s time to check whether it’s housed in a good neighborhood. You may find the asking price is too good to be true for what you get. Should you do a little research, the reason for this could be because the property is in a rough area. Of course, safety and security will be your top priority. Therefore, it’s wise to research neighborhoods before going any further.
Go for a drive around the neighborhood on weekdays and the weekend, during the day and evening. There are certain things to look out for during your drive. For example, do the neighbors keep their yards neat and tidy, or is their trash overflowing? Before long, you’ll get a much better idea of whether the neighborhood is suitable for you and your loved ones.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is everything when searching for a property. While the inside may be exactly to your liking, if you pull up to a property for a viewing and find the outside is unkept, you may dread walking through the front door! You need to be on your guard the moment you arrive at the property. Ask yourself whether the decks, patios, and roof are in good condition.
Also, look at the landscaping to establish how much yard maintenance you will have to do. While some homebuyers like a challenge and don’t mind rolling their sleeves up, others prefer everything to be neat and pristine before they get the keys to the front door. If you lean towards the latter, great curb appeal is essential.
Size
Another very important thing to look out for when searching for your first home is its size. After all, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of room for you and your loved ones to roam around with ease. If you’ve got a large brood or you’re expecting to add to it, you don’t want to splurge on a property to find you’ve outgrown it within a few months. Thankfully, any property you view will come with a floor plan that you can thoroughly analyze. Just make sure to consider the space and layout you will need for your lifestyle now and for the duration you plan to reside in the property.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Before your property search gets underway, you need to figure out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. It’s best to only view homes that meet your criteria, otherwise, the search can feel never-ending! What’s more, you could fall in love with a particular home that just simply isn’t big enough for you all. Also, don’t be under the impression you can add more square footage later down the line. You may find there are restrictions regarding extending the property. Have a good think about who will be living in the property now and who could be in the future. This can help when deciding on your bedroom and bathroom count.
Kitchen
We’re constantly told the kitchen is the heart of any home. For that reason, you should never settle on one you don’t love! While there is the option for a kitchen remodel, this project can be incredibly time-consuming and costly. If the property you love is already at the top end of your budget, you may not have the funds to make changes to the kitchen. However, if the space only needs minimal upgrades like new appliances to match your needs, it could be worth looking into. Understandably, you’ll just want to make sure your kitchen is spacious enough for you to cook meals in and spend quality time with loved ones.
Resale Value
When hunting for your first home, the last thing on your mind will be putting it up for sale. However, it’s very rare for homebuyers to stay put in their abode for decades to come. There are all kinds of factors which could see you move in the future. Whether you’re approaching retirement and want to downsize, or you need more space for the kids, it’s important to look at resale value. Identify properties in neighborhoods that have a strong track record of property value appreciation. Factors like close access to amenities, schools, and community development plans can contribute towards a home’s potential for future value growth.
Storage
If there is one thing many homeowners wish they could have more of, it’s storage space. For those who have a lot of possessions, keeping some of them hidden away is vital, otherwise, you could end up with lots of clutter that looks untidy and messy. What you’ll find is newer homes tend to have ample storage space. Although there is the option to add storage space, you may have to sacrifice some living space to achieve it.
Windows and Lighting
When viewing properties, take a good look at the windows. This will help you see how much natural light floods into the home. Look particularly at the views and lighting from the windows in the living room. After all, this is the one zone of the home you’ll spend a lot of your daylight hours. You want your first home to feel welcoming and airy, so make sure the property receives lots of natural light.
Finishing Touches
In some cases, the simplest home looks fantastic thanks to the details, like the hardware and the trim. Tech updates like a home security system or smart thermostat can be a major draw for homebuyers. If these are important elements to you, look out for them while you house hunt.
Purchasing your first property is an exciting milestone in life. It’s a significant decision which requires tons of careful consideration and planning. To aid you in smoothly navigating the process, read our essential factors above that you should be looking out for during your search.
When you keep these points in mind, you should find the process that little more bearable. What’s more, you’ll make informed choices and land on a property that meets your preferences and needs.
