9 Considerations to Make Before Deciding on the Perfect Location for Your New Home
Buying a home is way more than a basic transaction, albeit a substantial one, and the fact that you are making a decision as to where you want to set up home and even raise a family clearly requires plenty of clear thinking before you finally commit to the property you decide you want.
There are many important considerations, including the location and the type of house you need for your current and future plans, plus you will probably want to look at various options such as learning about master planned communities so that you are able to make an informed decision at the end of the process.
Here are some key points to think about.
Location really does matter
If you have ever watched any property TV show or spoken to a realtor it is a certainty that there would have been plenty of talk about the location of a property.
It is probably the primary consideration in the house buying process. Location is a key factor for any number of valid reasons such as how close the house is to schools, amenities, and travel networks.
Location is also highly influential in determining the price and popularity of development so you can expect to pay more of a premium if a property is considered to be in the perfect location.
On a more personal level, location can also mean where you are situated within a community. For instance, if you are looking at a master-planned community you might prefer to be near to the park or other recreational facilities, especially if you have a young family.
Pay attention to location and work out where you want to be and why it matters to you where your home is.
How many bedrooms do you need?
The vast majority of families will want to buy a home that has at least two bedrooms and if your budget will stretch to four it will give you a bit of space to grow and will give you options if you have any hobbies you like to do at home.
A family home with at least three bedrooms will normally hold its value better than a smaller property but the main reason for thinking carefully about the number of bedrooms you need is to ensure that the property meets your current and future needs.
Size and shape of the plot
This is not always a consideration that gets talked about as a priority but there are good reasons for giving this aspect of your property purchase some thought.
Not all plots sizes are equal and the same design of the house could sit on a much smaller plot than others. It also matters whether your plot offers a sunny disposition and some level of privacy.
Think about the size and shape of the plot as it could make quite a difference to your enjoyment of the home.
Don’t fancy a queue for the bathroom?
Having the right number of bedrooms is one thing but buying a home with the right number of bathrooms could turn out to be a more important consideration.
If you have a growing family you want to know that there are enough options for everyone to take a shower and go to the bathroom without too many arguments.
The heart of the house
In every house, certain rooms are more important than others and it is highly likely that the kitchen will be the hub of your home, which is why it needs to be just right.
When you are searching for a property there are certain things you can live with, such as a smaller bedroom, but the layout and functionality of the kitchen will have a big impact on your daily lives.
If you love cooking family meals you will want to be sure that the kitchen is fit for purpose.
Age matters
New houses come at a premium, but there is a good reason for that as all the appliances will be in full working order and you will have a warranty to protect you in the unlikely event that there is something that needs repairing after you move in.
Buying new often gives you the peace of mind that you won’t have to worry about repairs and too much maintenance in the first few years or so of ownership.
If you want an older property you should check the condition of the house so that you know things like wiring and plumbing are up to scratch. You might want to factor in some repair costs if you are buying an older property and be mindful that building codes have changed over the years so standards might vary depending on the age of the property.
Get the price right
You don’t want to overstretch your finances and struggle with the payments and it’s sensible to work out a budget and confirm with a lender how much you can borrow before you go house-hunting.
Storage space
A cluttered home can soon get a bit wearing and can spoil your enjoyment of the property if you are constantly having to walk over and around things because there is nowhere to put them away.
A good amount of storage space is an important consideration when you are buying a home, especially if you have a family.
Check the roof
If you are buying a new home you won’t have to worry about the state of the roof but if you are in the market for something older you should definitely check out the condition of the roof.
One of the biggest expenses a homeowner can face is to replace a roof, which is why you should confirm its condition before you agree to buy the property.
These are some of the most important considerations to think about when you are house-hunting and it would be a good idea to have a basic checklist of critical points along with a list of preferences that are personal to your specific requirements.
All you have to do then is find a home that manages to tick as many boxes as possible.