Buying a new home is an exciting, but often stressful, milestone in life. You’ll need to consider several factors, including the purchase price, your budget, and other expenses like furniture, property taxes, recurring debts, and maintenance costs. Ask yourself questions like, “Is a home warranty worth it?” Rather than worrying about big issues like kitchen appliances replacement or plumbing issues, many people benefit from a home warranty.
The location is also important, especially if you’re planning on raising a family there. Research the neighborhood, school district, and traffic patterns before you buy.
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Location
Before you start searching for a new house, make a list of what is most important to you. This will help you narrow down your choices.
For example, if you have children, you may want to find a neighborhood with good schools. This is important because it will affect the value of your home.
You also want to make sure that the neighborhood is safe.
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Ease of Maintenance
You’ll need a lot of cleaning supplies in your new home. You’ll also want some decor to make the house your own. For instance, get new rugs for the different rooms and fun wall art to reflect your personality.
It’s good to talk with neighbors before moving in. They can give you advice on everything from local handymen to town activities.
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Affordability
Homebuyers need to know how much they can afford to spend on a new home. Typically, financial advisors suggest not spending more than 28% of your monthly income on housing expenses.
Many factors impact affordability, including annual income, debts and savings goals. A home affordability calculator can help determine a reasonable budget. Also consider commuting time and nearby amenities.
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Size
For many families, the size of a new home is one of the most important factors. This includes the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as how much storage space is available. You also need to consider the amount of outdoor space you want.
It’s important to determine the right home size for you before house hunting. A larger home will cost more to maintain, including higher energy bills and taxes.
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Size of the Yard
Many people want a home with a backyard because it offers more space for landscaping and outdoor activities. It can also provide a buffer between your home and the homes of your neighbors.
Backyards are ideal for tanning, exercising, playing with pets, and hosting cookouts with friends. They can also be great spaces for gazebos, pools, and solariums. Many homeowners consider a backyard a necessity, especially those with children.
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Amenities
Depending on your state’s laws, certain items may or may not be included with the house. Make sure you ask the seller if anything is excluded before making an offer.
Features like stylish trim, custom window treatments and tech updates can be major selling points for potential homebuyers. Keep an eye out for these elements while house hunting so you can add them to your wishlist.
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Size of the Rooms
While buying a new home, you need to know the size of the rooms to determine if they’ll meet your lifestyle needs. For example, you might want a living room large enough to accommodate family gatherings and entertaining guests.
To calculate square feet, you can use a tape measure to measure each wall and then multiply it by standard ceiling height. Then subtract the number of windows from the total wall square footage.
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Energy Efficiency
With rising energy costs, more homebuyers are opting for new homes that offer efficient design and low utility bills. Additionally, these upgrades will increase a home’s value and improve the indoor environment quality.
A home’s construction process can take months to complete, so buyers should work with a real estate agent who can provide frequent updates. This way, they’ll be able to avoid any surprises at closing.
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Kitchen
The kitchen is another key part of any new home. It’s important to have all the necessary items for cooking, baking and cleaning. This includes major appliances, countertop machines and utensils. It’s also a good idea to have a first-aid kit that includes a variety of small supplies.
It’s also a good idea to buy lawn equipment, gardening supplies and a lawnmower. This will ensure that your home is well maintained.
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Bathroom
One of the most important things to consider is how many bathrooms the house has. You want to make sure that there are enough for everyone in the family.
You should also look at the windows and how much natural light they let in. This will help make the space feel more comfortable and bright. You can even add curtains for privacy and style.