|
|
How to Find the Right Home |
Just because you may feel restricted by price ranges, especially if this is your first or second home purchase, don't let anybody tell you that you can't afford to be choosy when looking for a home to buy! You are unique. You have desires and needs, hopes and dreams for your new home that are different from your parent's, friend's or coworker's. OK? So let's get busy defining these homebuying parameters and writing them down. |
Location & Neighborhood Busy Streets Pros: Often homes on streets with more traffic are thousands of dollars cheaper. If noise doesn't bother you, don't pass up homes on busy streets. Drive by at different times of the day / week to ascertain noise levels. Cons: These types of homes will always sell for less than others in the same area. If bedrooms are located near the front of the home, sleep may be disturbed. Cul de sac Pros: Number one choice of buyers with children. Cons: Less privacy, neighbors know more about you. Corner lots Pros: Often larger lots. Fewer neighbors. More visibility. Cons: More traffic noise. More vulnerable to vehicles jumping the curb. Kids might trespass at the corner. |
Property Styles Single Story Pros: Easy wheelchair access. Some medical conditions such as bad knees make it hard for certain individuals to climb stairs. Easier to clean. Cons: Can be noisier if stereos or televisions are located on the same floor as bedrooms. Some people feel safety is compromised if bedrooms are located at ground level. More of the lot is absorbed by living quarters. More than One Story Pros: More living space on same foundation than a ranch home. Less noise if entertaining on lower level while other family members sleep upstairs. Cons: More trips up and down the stairs to carry stuff to bedrooms. If laundry rooms are on the second floor, washer leaks are major. Might need dual vacuum cleaners. It is difficult to maintain consistent temperatures on each level without dual heating and cooling units. |
Interior Specifications Number of Bedrooms Pros: Common minimum requested configurations are 3 bedrooms. Newer parents prefer bedrooms located on one level. Cons: 2 bedrooms appeal primarily to first-time home buyers, singles or seniors. However, don't discount a two bedroom if an extra den will satisfy your space requirements. Number of Bathrooms Pros: More than one bath is preferred by most people. One bath homes are often less expensive. Cons: Don't pass up a one bath home is there is room to add a second bath. Sometimes it costs less to put in an extra bath than it does to buy a two-bath home. Square Footage Pros: larger spaces offer more room and cost less per square foot than smaller spaces. Cons: Don't be misled as lay-out is more important than actual square footage. Sometimes well designed smaller spaces appear larger. |