Buying your first home can be a bit daunting, and even a little overwhelming. For the majority of people, this is the single most important investment of their lives. Owning your own home is a life goal most individuals strive to achieve. If you are a first-time or second-time homebuyer, fear no more. You can avoid a lot of trouble with careful observation, asking the right questions, and finding the right partner to help with your home-buying process. Below are three awesome tips you can use right now when looking at different homes.
1. Start at the Top:
The first thing you should look at is the roof. If you go inside and you can see the sun, it could end up costing you. Although a new roof could help lower insurance rates and help better protect you against mother nature, the costs of a full roof replacement may not be something you want or have in your budget, when selecting your home. Minor repairs are one thing, however, be wary if a full replacement is warranted.
2. Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover:
When you walk into the room and see 1970’s wall color, it can take you back a bit, however, take your focus off the paint. That can easily be updated. Focus your attention on the structure and layout. The wiring and the foundation will be there much longer than any type of paint in the room. You should also keep in mind, a fresh paint job can act as a camouflage to hide any damage hidden underneath, so be sure to get your home inspection scheduled to ensure what you see is actually what you get… and your structure is sound.
3. Trouble Underneath:
When you are checking out the kitchen or bathroom, don’t be blinded by the shiny new granite countertops, or newly tiled shower. What lies beneath all of that could really make the difference. Check for leaks, water damage, and mold. Mold not only smells awful, but it can also seriously affect your health. Moving into a new home with plumbing or piping issues can create headaches you may not be ready for.
CONCLUSION:
Most importantly just take your time, don’t rush into making an uninformed decision. We are just getting started with offering some advice for buying and selling, so make sure you check back for how-to’s, tips and ideas. If you really enjoy these tips and want to learn more about buying a home, check out our buyers’ guide below.