Buying a new house is perhaps one of the biggest investments of your lifetime. It’s a lengthy and complex process – and for obvious reasons. Apart from the paperwork and mortgage, you also have to consider the features of the house. Everyone has priorities when it comes to finding the best fit, but there are some common features you must check before making the final decision. They might be ranked differently for each buyer, but they should check these features at some point during the purchase process.
Below are six features one must consider while buying their dream house.
1. Location and Neighborhood
This is perhaps one of the most important features to check while buying a house. If you’re shifting states or countries, checking the weather of the new place is mandatory as it can adversely affect your health and daily functions. Some houses decay faster when located in adverse weather and need more maintenance. Only buy the house if you can spend those extra dollars for the repair. For example, if you’re looking at new homes for sale in St Johns County, Florida, check the weather of Florida if you’re coming from a comparatively colder or drier state.
Similarly, the house should be located in a good neighborhood. Your children should have access to school and parks for recreation. The transportation should be good, and the people should be friendly.
2. Size of the House
Check this feature to find the house that best suits your family. If you have a large family with more children, you will need a large place. If you have elders living with you, you will need a house with enough amenities for their comfort.
The size of the individual room is also important. Some like larger bedrooms and comparatively smaller living and dining areas, while some prefer smaller bedrooms and bigger living areas. Again, the size preference for living and dining areas might depend on the size of your family.
Sometimes homes come with added features, such as a lavish pool or a sauna that you might or might not use. Avoid buying such houses to prevent paying higher utility bills.
The curb appeal of your house reflects your taste and type of lifestyle. If you don’t want too much in terms of maintenance, pick a brick layout. Check the condition of the patio and deck before giving it a green signal.Â
3. The Rooms and Storage
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms are also important features to check before buying a house. Again, the number is important if you have a large family. Some homes have attached bathrooms with every bedroom – and it’s considered a good feature. However, some houses have fewer bathrooms than bedrooms, so check their positions to see if all family members have easy access to them.
You should also consider storage if you need to store a lot of equipment, supplies, extra clothes, or even decorations. Older homes come with smaller storage units, while many newer homes have larger ones. Some bedrooms have storage space or closets for clothes, so check them thoroughly – especially if you’re hoping for a walk-in closet adjacent to your bedroom.
4. The Kitchen
The kitchen is supposedly the heart of your home and needs the right build, functions, and accessories for you to function smoothly during meal prep. Check the cabinets, storage units, and appliances. Make sure the countertop is to your liking since remodeling a kitchen can be time-consuming and expensive.Â
The size and layout of the kitchen are also important. You need a kitchen that is just big enough but not too grand. The layout should give you enough free space to move around comfortably and not appear too crowded.
5. Condition of the Appliances
Every home comes with a fixed set of appliances. Test all of them to ensure they are functioning and in good condition. Old appliances run the risk of breaking down faster than newer ones, so consider the added cost before you purchase the house.
The type of appliances also matters for some buyers – especially kitchen appliances. Some kitchens come with electric stoves, while some have traditional gas stoves. If you’re comfortable with both, it shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Thoroughly check the washer, dryer, microwave, dishwasher, water heater, humidifier, and air conditioner. If you’re unsure about their age, you can hire a home inspector for a detailed report.
6. Lighting and Ventilation
Lighting and ventilation are very important for mental and physical well-being. Ample sunlight can lighten the mood and also make your house look much bigger. Proper ventilation lets enough fresh air into the house and thus ensures that you’re not inhaling bad air.
Go for houses with larger windows if you want natural light and air to come into your house. Check for light fixtures where natural lighting cannot reach so that those parts of the house can stay illuminated when needed.