You’re ready to buy a home—how are you supposed to make a decision when there are so many options out there? There are indeed many gorgeous homes, but you can only choose one that best meets your needs. You’ll need to go beyond curb appeal and price to make an appropriate decision. The most informed decision weighs the pros and cons of many different key factors. You’ll be able to choose with confidence and satisfaction once you determine everything you need from a home.
Location
You don’t want to purchase a home without being familiar with the neighborhood and the land it sits on. Some parts of town are more prone to crime than others. Some cities and states are vulnerable to natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes. Your home’s value depends mainly on its location. Beyond your future home’s valuation, its location will determine what you can do with the space. Colder areas may not see much value in an outdoor pool. Other, warmer areas won’t provide the ski lodge retreat you’re looking for. Some places are far too expensive. If you’re not sure where you want to live, you may want to consider some states that are increasingly popular for buying homes lately.
Pennsylvania
Lately, Pennsylvania has topped the list of the most popular places to buy a home. It offers diverse lifestyle environments and excellent education at a fraction of the cost of other areas with large cities. If you’re looking for work, the economy is outstanding as well. In addition to comparatively affordable home prices, the state offers many homebuyer programs to help lower closing costs and down payment obligations.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s excellent healthcare system, natural features, and more affordable cities have been the state’s best-kept secret until recently. More newcomers are flocking to North Carolina to enjoy the benefits of city living combined with the privacy and beauty of more rural areas. Even large cities like Charlotte offer down payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs to make the state even more affordable.
Colorado
If you like the idea of natural beauty, low crime rates, and excellent school systems, Colorado is another popular and excellent choice lately. There is a downside to living in this particular state—the price. You’re paying for quality, though, and securing grants and affordable FHA loans in Colorado is a straightforward process for all types of buyers.
Price
It may seem worth it to go over budget for a dream home, but you’ll want to be careful. Biting off a bigger mortgage can lead to foreclosure. It’s a better choice to upgrade an affordable home comfortably than to buy more than you can afford. Create a realistic and comfortable budget for your home. Even if your lender preapproves you for a higher amount, be sure you’ve factored in the extra expense before committing to a pricier option.
Space Flexibility
Older homes tend to have more compartmentalized rooms dedicated to one specific purpose. While this may work for some, many modern homeowners are looking for more flexible spaces. Can a room easily be used for multiple purposes and design tastes? Can someone who works from home easily live in the same space as their kids? Open spaces usually allow for more flexibility. Rooms should have plenty of space for a wide variety of furniture and utilities.
Floor Plan
The modern buyer loves an open floor plan, but this may not work the best for your needs. Evaluate what you need in a living space. Tight corners and skinny corridors may be a dealbreaker for homes that will have a lot of foot traffic. Homes with more than one floor may not work well for those with special mobility needs. When looking at floor plans, make sure there is enough accessible room for all occupants and guests, including furniture and decor.
Kitchen Layout
The kitchen is one of the most critical features of the home. It can be frustrating and costly to renovate the kitchen once you’ve purchased it, so you’ll need to be smart about the one you choose. Even if you’re not much of a chef, that can change in the future. Kitchens are also great entertainment spaces, and you’ll need a space to sort out your takeout meals if anything. Make sure your kitchen is accessible and spacious with room for any extensions or renovations in the future. Appliances should be fully accessible without frustration. Can you open the refrigerator all the way? Does an open oven block an open dishwasher? Is the sink large enough for washing dishes and rinsing vegetables?
Room Count
The perfect home on paper won’t mean much if you don’t have enough bedrooms or bathrooms for your needs. Come to each home knowing the exact number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need at a minimum. Small compromises, like a half bath instead of a full bath, might be workable, but you don’t want to end up frustrated with a space that isn’t large enough. A home should allow decent room to relax and grow into—starting with a small space can make it tricky to enjoy for the long haul.
Repairs
It’s not unusual for a home to need repairs when you move in. Older homes have wear and tear and will need updates now and then. However, if a home you’re considering is in serious disrepair, you may want to pass. A fixer-upper can be fun for some owners, but it can easily turn into a money pit that isn’t worth the price you paid for it. Make sure you get a home properly evaluated and inspected before signing on the dotted line. You can ask the sellers to make major repairs beforehand, but don’t take on more of a project than you want. There are plenty of houses to choose from that may better suit your needs.
It’s tough to make a final decision on buying a home. There are usually a lot of compromises and comparisons to take into consideration. However, when you’ve properly budgeted and prepared for the house-hunting process, you can know when to walk away and narrow down your choices. Choosing the perfect home is more than just the floor plan and kitchen size—you’ll need to make sure it’s a space that you can grow into and call home for years to come.
Jessica Alexander
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