When searching for real estate in the Bay Area, there are lots of things to consider. One’s home is a place where there should be safety from the world and from the stressors at work, and the decision is not one to be made lightly.
Here is a list of things to think about before purchasing a house.
1. How’s the Roof and Foundation?
Shoppers would be wise to examine the house’s exterior before they even go inside, starting from top to bottom. What is the visible condition of the roof? A big-ticket item like that can cost thousands of dollars down the road. It’s also best to find out the age of the roof. Next, look for anything out of place around the windows before inspecting the visible parts of the foundation. Is there crumbling or discoloration? These can be warning signs of big expenses for the homeowner in the near future.
2. How Are the Pipes?
Next, inspect all visible aspects of the plumbing. Faulty pipes can burst, causing thousands in damage along with flooding. This isn’t something homebuyers want to deal with, especially when they just signed the paperwork! Look carefully for signs of rust and condensation. Condensation can simply be basement atmosphere humidity, but it can also be a red flag of plumbing issues to come.
3. Wishlist Fulfilled?
Home shoppers would be wise to make a wish list of everything they’ve ever wanted in a home in order to open up the possibilities during the search phase. Perhaps a family has always dreamed of a pool. Maybe the shopper wants a den that is separate from the formal living room. Perhaps a spacious kitchen with an island is what the chef in the family longs for. Maybe the prospective owners dream of a large backyard for the kids to play in or a long wrap-around porch with plenty of room for rocking chairs.
4. Deal Breakers?
After one’s wish list is compiled, the next step is to narrow the list down to include must-haves, along with any deal breakers. For example, a home buyer might absolutely need a garage but could do without a basement. Two bathrooms may be essential, but the family could be ok without a playroom.
5. Monthly Budget
The final step is to take a long, serious look at one’s budget and estimate if the dream home is actually affordable. Home buyers would be wise to factor in moving expenses, real estate agent fees, and closing costs which will be initial expenses. Also, it’s smart to factor in the cost of maintaining the home as it ages down the road.
