Which Factors are Important in Your Home Search?

Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, so you should carefully consider which factors are crucial to you when searching for a home. When conducting your home search, you will need to consider several aspects, such as location, features, size, and amenities you would like your new home to include. While there are numerous considerations, below are the top essential components to explore when conducting an online home search.

It is not surprising that location is number one on the list of items to consider when looking for a new home. You can change a lot about a house, but you cannot change its location. If you would like to remain in your home for some time, you will need to consider its location and if you can be happy there long term. Buying a home can sometimes be time-consuming, costly, and stressful, so it’s natural to want to avoid looking for another house in a few years. Your home’s location impacts other aspects of your life, such as which schools your children will attend, your commute time to work, and your lifestyle. The goal is to find a home in the perfect location without sacrificing your non-negotiable requirements.

The quality of the local public schools in the area can strongly influence home values. Be sure to research all the public and private school options available in your home’s location. Even if you decide to send your children to a private school, you will want to ensure the home you purchase is situated in a high-quality public school district to provide a good resale value.

We all want an excellent education for our children. Look for schools with above-average test scores, reviews, and extracurricular opportunities. Talk to friends and potential neighbors to gather information about the schools in your desired neighborhood.

Factoring in the commute from your new home to your workplace is essential in your online home search. Even if you work from home, you will still want easy access to upscale amenities and other destinations you frequent regularly. Look at traffic patterns and drive the route during the same times you would perform the commute daily. Is there a lot of traffic? Are you using a lot of gas coming to and from work daily? Determine how much time you are willing to invest in the commute versus the location of your new home. This aspect will remain the same after you purchase the home and should warrant careful consideration before moving.

Before starting your home search, it is best to understand the features you want in your new home. Making a list of your non-negotiable items is extremely helpful in narrowing down your options. You may want a specific architectural style, a fantastic water view, or a specific layout. Add factors like these ― and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need ―  to your list of must-haves.

Prioritizing your most-desired amenities will help you view homes with an open mind. By discounting homes that do not meet your non-negotiable requirements, you will avoid buyer’s regret down the road. Consider your negotiable items as well. Are your nice-to-have features something you can add, such as a pool or outdoor kitchen? Think about how you can customize the home later, but do not waver on your non-negotiable items.

Before beginning your home search journey, consider whether or not you are willing to invest in updates or want a move-in-ready home. Even in the luxury real estate market, there are generally changes you would like to make that reflect your taste and style. Think about the age of the homes you are viewing. While newer homes have modern amenities and possibly a contemporary aesthetic, older houses tend to have more charm and appealing architectural features. Think about which you prefer and what fits your family and lifestyle best.

Look at the condition of each home you are viewing. Has it been well-maintained? Will there be a high upfront cost to bring the house up to your standards? Does the home need to undergo renovations or remodels? Be sure to hire a professional to do a thorough home inspection, as this will address any issues before you purchase the property.

How do you enjoy spending your time? Do you like an urban vibe, or are you looking for a suburban retreat? The lifestyle you prefer must be considered when looking for a new home. Explore multiple neighborhoods that meet your requirements and see what fits you and your family. Walk around the area, visit local restaurants and boutiques, and see if the amenities and attractions you appreciate are available in the neighborhoods you are researching. Talk with locals to get a better sense of the area. Additionally, your real estate agent can provide a wealth of information about the area.

When considering the purchase of your home, be sure to find out any details about a homeowners association that may be part of the neighborhood you are considering. What are the rules? How difficult would it be to add an addition or install a swimming pool, for instance? Are there any current or upcoming assessments? What is the history of the homeowners association? Have they used member dues to upgrade the neighborhood and provide new features and amenities? Be sure to research and read the fine print if you are moving into a home with a homeowners association.

While it is hard to think about resale value when you are simply looking at purchasing a home, this is an essential factor in your home search. Your investment today should reap financial rewards for you in the future. Fortunately, your real estate agent is an excellent resource for examining property values and taxes over the years. They can inform you if the neighborhoods you are interested in are forecasted to go up, decrease, or stay stagnant in value. You want to ensure you invest in a property trending upward, allowing for a profitable investment.

Are you interested in looking at Raleigh homes for sale? Contact Lisa Rivera at The Avalon Realty Group today to begin the process of purchasing a home. Lisa’s top-notch real estate expertise will ensure your home-buying journey will be successful from beginning to end.