Owning a home is a very satisfying feeling. A large part of that satisfaction comes from the effort that goes into finding that perfect hearth for yourself. Buying a house becomes very difficult mainly because of the choices available and the costs that go in. That is where making a priority list of all that you seek from your house would help a lot. When you actually set out house-hunting, keep in mind these 15 points.
- The foremost thing to know when you are going to buy a house is the budget that you wish to allocate for it. This is important for it determines the loan burden you will be carrying.
- Do not plan to purchase a house if you are someone who constantly keeps moving either due to the nature of your job or the nature of your temperament. A house should be a long-term investment if not a life-long one.
- Get all the information possible about the house you are planning to buy. Do this by physically checking out the house during different times of the day and by asking the neighbors about the pros and cons of the house.
- Get information about the builder’s track record. Examine the older house that the builder has constructed in different places if need be. This way, you will come to know of problems that may surface after a period of time.
- If you are buying the home from sellers who are moving out, question them thoroughly. Find out if the sellers are moving out due to any problems that exist in the house.
- With all the information available in manuals and on the net, professional help is always good. try to find an agent who has your interests at heart and seek advice. It will be worth the money spent.
- Examine the locality in which the house is present. Make sure that important facilities are available nearby. These could include the supermarket, the school, the grocery shop etc.
- The view is also an important consideration. Check the neighborhood and study an upcoming buildings and structures. Many times you just complete the purchase of your dream house only to see that all your wonderful view is blocked by a behemoth of a structure by your side!
- When it comes to financial considerations, check what would be the electricity, water and other utility bills would be like. A house sometimes is easy to buy but tough to maintain.
- Pay attention to the taxation on the house. And do this not only for the last tax paid but all the ones over the past 1-2 years. In some cities houses are regularly re-appraised or schools funded through property taxes. These indicate that you will be paying an ever increasing income tax on your house.
- Do your homework on all possible financial implications before you place your bid. Hire your own home inspector, preferably an engineer, to help you in this.
- Have a look at the bells and whistles that the house is offering. Make sure that it fulfills all your needs and the extra luxuries it provides (like a pool) is not an extra burden on you.
- Get a detailed review on the past repairs and improvements. Do not assume that remodeling will take place in a snap. If you plan to remodel, get an expert opinion and an estimate for that too.
- Finally, when you seal the purchase and want to proceed with it, make sure that all the legal papers are in order. Have a lawyer check them if necessary.
- In order to make it easy for you to obtain a loan, start shoring up your credit and get yourself a clean credit history.
