Purchasing a house is one of the biggest decisions an adult can make in their life. Not only because it involves making a huge financial decision, but also due to the fact that overlooking an aspect of house hunting can result in potential future problems.

To prevent this from happening, seasoned house buyers will say to make a purchase decision based on what’s possible and practical. And in order to do that, one must have a specific set of preferences. If you don’t know what you should want in a house before browsing listings, you can use the points below.

1. Location

Location is the first thing to consider before choosing a property because it cannot be changed. The area your house is in must be convenient for your daily life. Commuter transportation, shopping, entertainment, work, school, and other important establishments should be close to your dream home with good roads.

2. Price

It goes without saying that you should buy a home within your budget. Or if you prefer to get a mortgage, the payment should be in the amount you’re comfortable dealing with every month. Sometimes you find the property of your dreams but it’s out of your price range. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. But if you can’t make a deal with the seller, don’t get yourself into bad debt. 

3. Neighborhood

Aside from location, look at the people living in the area. You will live close to them for the duration of your residence. Do some background checks about crime and domestic disturbances. You don’t want to live in a place that looks peaceful during the day but is a warzone or Coachella at night.

4. Features

HVAC and other appliances are daily necessities. You’ll want the latest, brand new, or modern models installed to avoid constant repairs — the most annoying thing as a homeowner.

5. Lot size

Do you want to have a big front lawn and backyard for landscaping and outdoor entertainment? If yes, then a big lot is right for you. However, if you prefer to have a low-maintenance home, choosing a property with a small square area would be the best choice.

6. Things to be maintained and repaired

Multifunctional home elements are fun until you discover how complicated it is to maintain or repair them. For example, a sink faucet with a hose sprayer is a great asset for washing dishes, fresh produce, or bathing infants.

But think about what you’ll need to go through when the plumbing gets damaged or the hoses need cleaning. If you shudder at the thought, consider homes that have simple and durable electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

7. Number of rooms

Your current and expected future household size determines how many bedrooms and bathrooms your dream home should have. Don’t choose a property that has 5 bedrooms when you only plan to have two children. Or don’t buy a house with 3 bedrooms when you think you’ll have more than two kids with your spouse.

New homebuyers often find themselves regretting their house purchase for various reasons. If you’re buying a property for the first time, it’s always a good idea to hire a real estate agent. They can provide you with a lot of real estate insights as well as a wide selection of houses that fit your needs, wants, and budget.

Get more home buying and ownership tips here!

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