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Buying a home is a big decision, and if it is going to be the home you’ve always dreamt of having, then it is worth a celebration.
However, before you begin any celebrations, know that buying a home can be daunting for most homebuyers, especially first-timers.
And if you’re aiming to live on the property for the foreseeable future, your best pick will be a property that keeps you and your family satisfied for the long term.
Before investing in the perfect house, you need to consider many factors and stay smart and picky about your choices.
So as you begin the journey to owning your dream home, here are 7 important factors to consider when choosing a home.
#1. Your Budget and the Price of the Home
Whether it’s your dream house or just another real estate investment, one thing is for sure; you need to begin with a budget.
Budgets help you set financial boundaries and only consider homes within your financial capabilities.
Once you set your budget, you need to determine the price range of your dream home and how this cost will affect your finances in the long term.
#2. The Neighbourhood and Surrounding Environment
Never make the mistake of thinking your dream property exists in a bubble because it doesn’t. It is a part of a bigger community that you will become a part of if you buy the home.
With this in mind, it is incredibly important you seek out a neighbourhood that aligns with your needs.
While some homeowners prefer neighbourhoods that give them the tranquillity of a secluded forest, others love the hustle and bustle of a city centre.
Whatever your choice is, always do your research before starting the search for your dream home, and if possible, take a drive to the neighbourhood to get a feel of it.
If you’ve seen a neighbourhood with a pleasant surrounding environment, let your realtor know, and they will use this information to find you your dream home in a great neighbourhood.
#3. The Age of the Property
There’s always going to be a question of a new home or old home when you choose your dream home, and you mustn’t ignore it.
Age makes a difference because older homes and newly constructed ones have their respective pros and cons worth observing.
For a start, older homes will require more considerate and solicitous care and repairs than new homes.
There’s also the need for more rooms, bigger closets, and several other modern features that new homes offer that many old homes won’t.
So before you whip out your chequebook, ask about the property’s age and see if it is something you’re comfortable with buying.
#4. The Size of the Lot
Not much thought goes into the size of a home’s lot when choosing a dream home, and ignoring it might have consequences.
The lot that houses sit on comes in different sizes, from the large, small, interior, or corner. Sometimes within a neighbourhood, the lot sizes might be slightly similar.
Some lots are rectangular-shaped, irregular-shaped, and some pie-shaped. However, this might not matter, depending on the length of the driveway, level of privacy, and use of the lawn.
Your realtor should have all the necessary information and questions about the beginning and end of a lot, the lot description, and dimensions.
#5. The Age, Condition, and Style of Home Appliances
Let’s face it, appliances are expensive to replace, and if you’re going to replace appliances for a whole house, you’d be spending a fortune!
Some homes, however, come with appliances but are they the right age, style, or condition for you? If you have a strong preference for these things, you need to estimate their age and condition.
Most appliances are easier to add than others because of the space they require and the cost of procuring them.
For instance, a typical kitchen has several appliances like an oven, gas or electric cooker, fridge, or microwave.
Not everyone bakes, and for someone who doesn’t, the absence of an oven might even sweeten the deal.
Let your realtor know that appliances that don’t meet your preference may well be a deal-breaker, and the absence of some appliances won’t be suitable for your dream home.
You can make a fairly good guess at the age of the appliances in the homes you’re considering and have your home inspector report it.
However, don’t always assume that all appliances will stay with the house because sometimes they don’t.
You need to check the property listing to see what appliances are a part of any future purchase and those that aren’t.
If you have the budget to afford replacement costs, you can look to replace mechanical systems and outdated appliances for newer, energy-saving, and efficient ones.
#6. Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Homebuyers and their families generally know how many bedrooms they would like their dream house to come with.
Most want at least one or two, while for others, that number increases with the more children they have.
Some families prefer their kids to share bedrooms early on, while others like separate bedrooms for the children. This is all down to accommodating different study habits, bedtimes, and more.
Others who are always entertaining visitors or relatives will want an extra bedroom to serve as a guest room or double as a home office, playroom, or gym.
The point is this; your lifestyle choices will generally influence the number of rooms you want your dream house to have.
So decide the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you prefer ahead of time as the remodelling may not be feasible sometimes.
#7. Contact a Realtor or Real Estate Agent
Finally, you will need some help to make owning your dream home a reality, and a reputable realtor or real estate agent can help with that.
For instance, people looking to buy a home in Hamilton can always do their research online, with tons of reputable companies willing to help you choose the best option.
Real estate agents understand the real estate industry better than you can, and they will offer expert advice on the processes involved and link you with the best offers within budget.
Conclusion
Everyone has their specific priorities when they want to purchase a house, and the buying process becomes even more complex and time-consuming if it is their dream home.
It is easy to get off track and even go overboard, but a written priority, a plan, and a budget are winning formulas to guide you through this exciting but tasking process.
As you seek out home features that you and your family will find important, get in touch with a reputable realtor to help you on the way to choosing your dream home.