Things to Look for When House Hunting
Thinking of purchasing a new home? This list will help to get your search on the right path!
While the number of bedrooms, condition of the kitchen and bathrooms and size of the yard are all major considerations, there are other things to consider before you make your offer.
Location, Location, Location
I’m sure you’ve heard this before: “The 3 most important things to think about when buying are home are location, location, location!” If you fall in love with the neighborhood, you can live with many imperfections in your home. Everything else – you can change! Other things to consider is your home’s proximity to work, how the home is situated on the lot, ease of access from major roadways, noise from traffic or neighbors pets, and access to parks, schools, and shopping. Read my note about the Top 10 Places to Live in 2010 HERE .
Consider the Home’s Outer Appeal
Your home should match your lifestyle. Here are some things to ask yourself:
✓ What is your first impression of the house and yard area?
✓ Do you like the exterior features of the house? If not, can you enhance them?
✓ What do you think is the worst exterior features of the house? Can you minimize or improve it?
✓ Is the roof in good condition?
Talk To Neighbors
You’ll want to find out if most people own their homes. It’s not always easy to tell if you’re choosing a neighborhood that’s primarily rental houses. Do they have a homeowners association? Do they have a block party every year? Neighbors that have gatherings want to get to know each other, are willing to socialize and care about their community.
Home Size & Floor Plan
While everyone wants to buy their “dream home’, is that dream impractical? Do you really need 4 bedrooms and 4 baths if you live alone? While a larger home will definitely give you the extra space you’ve always dreamed about, you will be paying higher heating bills, have higher taxes and it will take more furniture to furnish it.
Get An Excellent Mortgage Broker
It’s imperative that you find an ethical, reliable, dependable mortgage broker.
✓ Your mortgage broker should explain any terms that are unfamiliar to you. If you have to bring your real estate term dictionary with you every time you meet — RUN!
✓ Your mortgage broker will explain the numbers (payments, rates, terms, fees, loan amount, etc.) as many times as it takes for you to understand them
✓ Your mortgage broker is available – whether your important call is on a weekday or a weekend.
✓ Your mortgage broker should have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating!
Austin Mortgage Associates has been providing families with their mortgage solutions in Texas for over 10 years. CLICK HERE to verify Austin Mortgage Associates A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and see our BBB report.
Give us a call today and let us know how we can best serve you!
