Purchasing a home is a big step, and not one that should be taken lightly. There is a lot that goes into purchasing a new home and making the decision to start your search is only the first of many that you will make throughout this journey.
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| Buying Home |
With the decision to purchase comes a great deal of things you need to consider as you progress in your search. Beyond the quaint features you want for the house to have – like that open floor kitchen/dining room plan, a fire place in the living room, or an RV pad – there are some general things all home buyers should consider when searching for their perfect home.
Read through this list, provided by home builders in Idaho Falls, to see if you have considered these factors in your search.
1. Good foundation
How old is the home? Is the foundation built well enough to last through your stay there? Will it freeze and expand in the winter? Are there cracks starting already that will cause damage later on? These are all questions to ask the builder when you are looking at the foundation of the home.
2. No leaks in roof
This is another problem you could face in an older home. Ask the realtor or home owner about this. Most people won’t tell you the problems up front, but if you ask the right questions, you can get the truth out.
3. Sign of termites
Look for these three signs of termites in your home search:
- Discarded wings – usually found near windows and doors.
- Mud tubes – these pencil-sized tubes can be found where the ground meets your house or near trees.
- Wood damage – if the floor is sagging or you suspect termites, see if there is a place like an attic or basement where you can examine some of the wood structure. You can also observe the trees or other wood features outside the house.
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| Termites |
4. Energy Efficiency
When was the house built? If it’s older, it could be using less efficient energy resources, such as two water heaters instead of one. Get an idea of how much electricity will cost.
5. Utilities
Also, consider all utilities that you will be using. What will the cost be? Do the utilities go through the city or does the home have its own resources, such as propane and a well?
6. Septic/sewer condition
Just because the toilets flush and the sinks turn on, doesn’t necessarily mean that the septic system is working properly. If you don’t get a straight answer when asking about the condition of the septic system, you may want to seek professionals, like these plumbers in Rigby, to inspect it prior to making your decision.
7. What the community offers
Does the community offer what you are looking for – whether that is good schools, recreation centers, beautiful parks, shopping centers, etc.? Make a list of the things that you want in your community before starting your search. This will make the decision easier for homes you are one the fence about.
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| Community |
8. Proximity to schools, work, shopping
Is being close to the schools, your job, or the grocery store important to you? Research the distances and commute time, whether or not your children would need to ride the bus, and consider how often you’ll need to go to the store.
9. Condition of local infrastructure and its costs
Do some research on the infrastructure and costs associated with it in the area you wish to live. How will construction and costs affect you as a member of that community?
10. Crime rates in the area
Most people don’t want to live in areas with high crime rates, especially if they have children. Is the part of the city you’re looking at known for specific crimes? Do your research to determine if the neighborhood you are looking at is safe.
11. Established neighborhood
Do you want to live in a neighborhood that is already well established, with large trees, lush foliage and no on-going construction? Keep in mind that if you want shade in the summer, it takes years for trees to grow to full size, and if you don’t want to be woken up by construction every morning, moving to a growing neighborhood might not be your cup of tea.
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| Neighborhood |
12. Nice neighbors
Beyond a nice-looking neighborhood, you probably want to live near nice neighbors. During your search, don’t be afraid to talk to people if they are out and about. Are they the kind of people you would want to live near, or want your children to live near? This could be a great opportunity to ask other questions you might have about the community as well.
Don’t go into your home search without a list of questions. Know what features you want in your home and which ones you would you be willing to part with or do the work for yourself.
August 10, 2017
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