There’s so much to look forward to when buying a home. The excitement of touring new houses, planning on how you will decorate your new space, and the feeling of knowing new memories will be made there, is all part of the fun journey. But once that initial rush wears off, you may find yourself wondering what you need to do to ensure the home you’re buying is the right fit for you (and your family). So, to help you prepare, we’ve got five sometimes forgotten things home buyers tend to forget when shopping.
1. Neighborhood traffic
While some homes are tucked away in the quiet countryside, if your dream home is in a residential part of town, it’s a good idea to ask about the level of traffic that comes through your area. Keep an eye out for the number of cars that may be parked regularly on the street, or if any schools are close by, as this tends to cause some serious traffic during the morning and afternoon hours.
2. Attic
Your attic can be a great storage space, kids corner, arts and craft area or a place lingering with serious issues you may not know about until it’s too late. From electrical problems to water damage, request a thorough inspection of the attic before you sign on the dotted line to avoid any unwanted surprises.
3. Squeaky or damaged floors
It may seem like a no-brainer, but the floors are often overlooked when purchasing a home if they don’t have any issues that immediately catch your eye. So, walk around the home a few times and check for any squeaky or raised boards that might imply water damage or foundational problems. If you think you may be dealing with faulty floors, request an inspection or ask for a second opinion from a professional.
4. Future development of the neighborhood
If you chose your dream home because of its quiet and serene location, make sure that will still be the case in a few years. It’s no secret that wherever there are neighborhoods, developers seize the opportunity to develop nearby land to put up businesses, shops and even more neighborhoods. So, if you’re curious about what the future of your community may look like, ask your realtor or do some research yourself to make sure your dream home, is in your dream location.
5. Front and back yard
For some homebuyers the front and back yard can make or break a sale, which means you should look beyond the surface. While the grass may be green, there may be problems below the ground that can cause trees, shrubs or flowers to not grow and this can come from dead soil that may take years to re-cultivate. Or if the yard has large trees, it’s a good idea to have them inspected for any issues like dead roots that can leave you with a fallen tree after a big summer storm.
Before you buy a home you should do your homework and be prepared for any speed bumps or problems that may arise. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did. But if you’re unsure about your options or how the process works, we’re happy to help. Give us a call today at (919) 205-3402, and let us answer any of your questions!
