What to Look for When Buying a House

All of us wants to own a house we could call our home.

However, it can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers since you do not know what to expect.

If you are planning to buy anytime soon, but don’t have a house hunting checklist yet, don’t worry.

Here’s a list of what to look for when buying a house.

What to Look for When Buying a House | Buying Checklist

1. The Neighborhood

Buying a house is a decision as big as getting married.

It involves meticulous planning and organizing.

And like a wedding, one of the biggest decisions to make is the location.

Of course, when you buy a home, you have to assess the neighborhood.

Apart from meeting your preferences (should you have any), it should be safe to live at and have access to the following important establishments:

• Public or private roads
• Fire Station
• Police Station
• School (if you have kids)

Also, consider the following before you buy a home:

• Unpleasant smell (e.g. sewage, gas, pet odor, mildew, cigarettes etc.)
• Street parking issues
• Regional weather considerations
• Is the area prone to wildfires or flooding?
• Are the fences (if any) built and positioned properly?
• Is there another property who shares the driveway?

2. The Lot Grade

If you have kids, consider the lot grade of the house.

If the land is too steep to walk on, it might not be advisable for kids to live in it due to safety reasons.

3. Exterior

They say the first impression lasts.

This is the same with a house.

Check the outside of the house like the paint job or roof for anything that needs to be repaired such as holes, cracks, and whatnot.

4. The Size

If you have a big family, consider the size of the house you are buying.

Your house should be able to comfortably and properly accommodate all your family members.

However, having a big house means putting more effort in cleaning, organizing, and caring for it.

5. Infestations

If the house you want to buy is near a large area of grass, check the house for infestations.

Have it exterminated by a licensed pest professional should you pursue with buying it.

You definitely wouldn’t want to have your house eventually damaged due to insects and bugs.

6. Interior Layout

The interior is just as important as the exterior.

Check for narrow passages and sharp corners.

You should be able to walk around the house freely.

If you can imagine yourself waking up in the morning and walking comfortably, then that house may be worth considering.

7. Natural Light

Usually, most people tend to overlook this factor when buying a home.

Check the amount of natural light in any potential home for better lighting.

This way, you can save up on your electricity because there’s no need to turn the lights on during the day.

8. Window Placement

The amount of natural light depends on the window placement.

It should be rightfully placed so it gives your house enough sunlight during the day.

Also check if there are enough windows in the house.

Sure, you can add more windows to the house, but this will add up to your expenses.

9. Driveway Location

If you own a car, check for the driveway’s length and width.

It’s better if know your car’s measurement so you will know if it will fit into the driveway.

Here’s a clip from EasyHomesellers for more details on what to look for when buying a house:

For first timers, it can be a challenge if you do not know what to look for when buying a house.

Some factors can be overlooked, but at the end of the day, it will still depend on your budget and preferences.

Here are 10 steps to help you with buying a house.

Are there other things to look for in buying a house? Share it with us in the comments below!

Up Next: 10 Foolproof Tips For Buying A Home