5 Things to Look Out for When Buying a Home
Buying a home can be a long and overwhelming process with so many varying factors to think about that you might not be sure where to start! We’ve gathered together five important items worth taking into consideration to help you out as you begin your search for your next home.
1) Your requirements
Before house-hunting, it is worth taking the time to sit down and write a list of your must-have features and any deal breakers. Do you require a large backyard for your pets? Hardwood floors? Lots of natural light? A finished basement? Having these items in mind can help your Realtor narrow down their search and prevent them wasting your time with homes you’re not interested in.
2) Look to the future
Don’t necessarily buy for the life you have today. Even if you aren’t searching for your forever home, you likely want to live in your new house for the next 5-10 years. Are you planning to expand your family soon? Then consider a home with room to grow, that is ideally situated close to some local schools.
3) Don’t judge a room by its paint job
Use your imagination to look beyond the cosmetic appearance, no matter how ghastly, and focus on the structural integrity of the house. Walls can be painted and fixtures changed, but old pipes or a shaky foundation will be costly to repair. If you find a home you love that requires a bit of TLC, make sure you factor that into the costs when making your offer.
4) Energy efficiency
An inefficient heating or cooling system can result in some expensive heating bills. Make sure the furnace and air conditioner are up-to-date and in good condition as these can cost a pretty penny to replace. Check out the insulation within the home. Are the heating ducts and water pipes well insulated? What about the attic? It’s also worth checking out the age and state of the windows as these can contribute greatly to the overall temperature of a home.
5) Location location location
While the house itself may exceed all your expectations, it’s also important to consider the surrounding land and area. Make sure you’re aware of your property lines. Is there any shared space such as a yard or driveway? Are any fences positioned properly? It’s also worth considering what amenities are nearby. If you’re an avid walker, you might want to live close to some hiking trails or green spaces. If you have children, you may want to be close to schools, parks, or local community centres. The house is certainly the main thing, but it isn’t the only thing to think about!
If you’re looking to buy a home and are finding the search a little overwhelming, let our dedicated team at Royal LePage Performance Realty help you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today so we can put our many years of experience in the Ottawa real estate industry to good use helping you find the home of your dreams.
