Buying a house is exciting. But let’s be honest. It can also be stressful and a bit scary as you look at multiple homes.
To help make navigating the process surprisingly painless, here are some important things to look out for when buying a house. You can also download our Home Shopping Checklist to take with you.
1. Decide on your dealbreakers
Aside from the basics, like quality windows and countertops, think about the purpose of your home and the requirements for your lifestyle. How many bedrooms does it have? How large or small are the rooms? Is there a basement or a large backyard? Before you start looking for homes, its a good idea to get an idea of what you want.
2. Check out the structure
How is the exterior of the house, what is it made out of? Will you need to replace the roof or windows? Depending on certain materials, there may be maintenance that needs to be done every couple of years.
3. Don’t judge a room by its paint job
When you step inside your prospective home, focus on the structural stuff — aging appliances, loose wires — and tune out any freshly painted walls or upscale decor. The foundation will be there long after the paint has started chipping and you want that to be what lasts.
4. Check out the yard
Don’t just look at the building — examine the area around it. Is the house in an area prone to flooding (has it flooded)? Is the driveway shared with another property? If there are fences, have they been built and positioned properly? It’s a lot to take in, but when you buy a house, you can’t ignore its surroundings.
5. Have a home inspection done
There’s only so much you can do on your own. You’ll also want to enlist a professional to ensure the foundation is solid and the wiring is up to code. Home inspectors can even check for lead paint and wood-eating pests.
Interested in buying a home?
At United Financial we’re here to make home financing simple for you. Stop in at one of our six locations today, or call us at 989-702-2634 to take the first step toward home ownership. We promise that our process is easier than you might expect!