Important factors to be consider before buying a house ?
Location of the house
Buyers want to find a location that allows easy access to the places they frequent the most (work, school, shopping, recreation, place of worship, friends and family). Look for easy access to the main roads and check traffic flow in rush hours. Checking this out before a purchase can help save you from hassles getting out of the neighbourhood and onto the main thoroughfare.
The size of the lot
Many people who buys give little thought to the size of the lot the house sits on. Within a neighbourhood, the lot sizes might be fairly similar. Once you’re going to showings and looking at what’s available, you’ll soon see if you have a clear preference of large or small, corner or interior. Some lots are pie-shaped; some are rectangular, and some are irregular in shape. Depending on the level of privacy, how you will use the lawn, and the length of the driveway, this might matter to you. If there seems to be a question about where one lot ends, and another begins, check the lot description and dimensions with your land surveyor.
Number of Bed rooms
Each buyer will have an idea of how many bedrooms they would like. Most people will want at least two, and if there are children, the number increases. Some families like their kids to share bedrooms, while others like separate bedrooms for each to accommodate different bedtimes and study habits. If you have regular visitors for any length of time, it’s nice to have a bedroom that is designated as a guest room. An extra bedroom often doubles as an office, kids’ playroom, or exercise room. Many hobbies can require working space and storage for supplies, and an extra bedroom serves this purpose well. Think carefully about your lifestyle and what will enhance it in the future.
Number of Bathrooms
Older homes might have only one bathroom, and buyers will often look for ways to add another. Decide ahead of time how many bathrooms you prefer. If there is only one bathroom, be sure you can live with that arrangement if modifying isn’t feasible. Newer homes generally have two or more bathrooms, although some bathrooms might not have a tub or shower. The size and style of bathroom is important as well. Do you want a bathtub or shower or both? Jacuzzi tubs are popular for relaxing, and some people prefer a shower stall for easy access.
Kitchen Layout
The kitchen truly seems to be the heart of the home. It is where great food is created for the family and friends who gather there. When guests arrive, they usually end up hanging out in the kitchen, and because it’s a centre of activity and entertainment, the size and layout are important. Be clear on whether you need a large kitchen with lots of counter space, sinks and storage or if a typical kitchen will suffice. Each family has different ideas about cooking. There’s the person who said the only reason there was a kitchen is because it came with the house! In that case, any kitchen would do. Then, there’s the vegetarian who cooks daily and uses a lot of fresh ingredients, or the quick cook who microwaves all the meals. Some people entertain a lot or have large families to feed. Whatever style of cooking you are into, the kitchen will require a close look before take buying decision.
The age, style and condition of home appliances
Appliances are expensive to replace at a given time. Take the time to estimate the age and condition of each. You may also have some strong preferences. For instance, you might enjoy cooking on a gas stove and dislike using an electric range. A typical kitchen has many appliances. If there are any you can’t do without, check to see that the home provides that convenience or that there is room to add it later. Some are easier to add than others (microwave compared to a dishwasher if space is limited). Check the washer, dryer, water heater and water softener.
Age of the House
If you are only interested in new construction, this is irrelevant. However, if you are willing to look at all houses in your price range that meet your basic requirements, you may see homes from several decades. Older homes can have a character that appeals, and they may also need more repairs and upgrades. Make sure you have the time, inclination and budget to enjoy managing these projects. Building regulation change over the years, and it would be good to have a basic understanding of some of the more impactful differences when looking at homes built under a different set of rules. Your building surveyor might have this knowledge or would know where to find the answers. If you’re looking for a certain vintage and style, you might already be aware of how homes were constructed at that time.
Purchase Price
Before even looking, you should determine your price range and get pre-approved for a loan. Buying a single-family house is a huge investment, and there’s always more to it than just the purchase price. Think about how all costs will affect your finances and stick to your decision on price range and mortgage payment.
Seller’s incentive to sell
When looking for homes, you will find that some sellers are more motivated than others. Some people will place their home on the market but don’t really care if it sells or not. If not, they are happy to continue living there and will try again later. With this type of sale, there is not usually much wiggle room on the price.
There are times, however, when a seller is highly motivated to sell. Examples might be: an estate sale, a job relocation and need to move out of the country, or someone paying two mortgages and wanting to sell and get back to only one payment. Your realtor will help you determine how motivated the seller might be and how to draft the offer and counteroffers to get the best price.
Maintenance Mode
Unless you’re buying new construction, there is generally quite a list of potential maintenance items. When looking at the house, you are probably making a written or mental list of all the things that could use a little help. They might be repairs, large or small, replacements or additions that would make the house a home. Some items might be mainly cosmetic, and others might take a lot of time and money to complete. Be sure you write them down and add it up.