You have received pre-approval and you are ready to begin the house hunting process. Congrats! How exciting! House hunting is perhaps the more fun part of buying a home.
However, viewing properties is an important step. It’s important to know what you consider your non-negotiables and negotiables when it comes to the type of home you are looking for.
We have rounded up our top 5 factors to consider when viewing a home.
1. The Location
Location is an incredibly important factor in the home. Consider where it is in relation to amenities. Is it close to shops, cafes, schools? What is the local community like? Are they generally older, or younger families? Is the road busy? Create a list of things you consider essential when it comes to the location of the property, other than just the suburb, so that you can narrow down your scope.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Location
2. Property Maintenance
Are there any signs of wear and tear on the property? For example, check for cracks in the walls or floors, moisture damage or loose fixtures. Will these things need to be repaired? It’s important to pay attention to these small details and ask questions to get further information and clarification.
3. Adequate Storage
Is there enough storage space in the home for your household’s needs? For example, a large family would need lots of wardrobe space, plenty of kitchen cabinets and perhaps even a basement storage space. Does the property have built-in closets, cabinets, shelves, and even a pantry, or space for the fridge? Consider the practicality of the storage availability for everyday convenient use. Because at the end of the day, the home you choose will be the home you live in!
4. Adequate Insulation
Does the property have proper and adequate insulation? Check if the insulation needs to be updated and maintained. You don’t want to be rewarded for moving into your new home with chilly nights and a high power bill from running the heat pump. Proper insulation will help keep the power bill in control in both the summer and winter months.
5. Kitchen and Bathroom Situation
Are the kitchen and bathrooms in working order? Do they need any plumbing or electrical maintenance or repairs? If the conditions of these spaces have recently been updated, you may only need to make some aesthetic changes to your tastes such as a new hue of paint, or changing the door knobs on cabinets, or the faucet. But you may need to do some more intensive renovations to get these high traffic rooms back to working order.
We’re Here to Help
Here at Money Compare, we are on a mission to help Kiwis get into their homes faster through the power of knowledge. Through our range of educational content, our home loan comparison tool, and our partnerships with industry experts, we are here to empower you to achieve your home buying goals. Be sure to make a fully informed choice by comparing home loans. If you have any questions about home loans, mortgages, or the process of buying a home, click the button below, and a fully qualified mortgage advisor will be in touch with you.
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