Author: Brian Ashworth October 20, 2018

Guest post by Hannah Jones

When you think about buying a new home, it usually means looking for the ‘forever house’ that your family can move into.

Finding a new house on sites like Gumtree Real Estate is undeniably
an exciting experience but it can also be pretty daunting — especially if you’re a first-time
buyer.

Sometimes, we get can get caught up with the spectacular views, even if the house needs more work.

Or, we could be drawn to ‘ancient feels’ despite an out-of-the budget price tag. Knowing what you want in a house and actually going extra lengths to make it happen are extremely important in the whole home buying process.

You have to make sure that you are in it for the long haul, or else, you’ll be stuck with an unwanted home until you have the financial means to purchase a new one.

While most homeowners don’t usually get exactly what they want in their new homes, it is still completely possible to ensure that you will enjoy your new house and avoid any potential pitfalls you may fall into during this process. To do that, here are some factors you should seriously consider before claiming the key to your new home.

Location

Deciding on which location you want to live in is critical in this whole home buying procedure.

This may sound easy to you, but you actually have to consider a lot of things such as the availability and accessibility of public amenities, the degree of traffic, the quality of schools, the proximity to public transport, and much more.

Your lifestyle, for instance, could be greatly affected by the location of your new home.

If you’re into shopping and nightlife, then you have to choose a place where such needs will be met.

It all depends on you. Some people may prefer a quiet and peaceful farmhouse as their first priority and others may want a place where schools for their kids are within walking distance or just a few-minute drive away.

The key here is to really assess what you need and think about how the location of your new home will affect you in any way.

Price

Have you thought of a budget for your new house?

Are all the qualities you look for in a home fit with your financial capacity?

Needless to say, your new property has to be within your budget.

Do not exhaust your funds because you want to buy a grand home only to be left with no choice but to sell your new home and look for a cheaper one.

Remember that you also have to consider other expenses like property and insurance taxes.

Be as comfortable as possible with how much you are paying for your home.

Adjust your expectations according to your budget and what payment you can afford without breaking your back to make ends meet.

Size

Before you move into your new home, you have to also think about the size that you and your family will need and want.

This includes the number of bedrooms and bathrooms the house has, and the size of your kitchen, living room, and any extra necessary space.

Some people want a huge backyard while others just want a standard-sized patio but a bigger space in the house.

Whether you want to build some guest rooms, install a swimming pool, or create a bigger master bathroom, it all boils down to one thing — and that is choosing the right size.

Transportation

Moving into a new house in a new location means that residents will have to adjust to how they will commute to work or school.

Is there public transport nearby and readily available in your new place?

You don’t want to live in an area where you have to go through the hassle of a multi-transfer commute to work every single day of your life.

If transportation is truly a big deal for you, then make sure to check if there are bus stops, or subway or train stations near you.

Noise and traffic

When you visit a potential house for a viewing or open house, then you may notice that the surroundings are quiet and peaceful.

While that may be the case, observe how the area sounds during peak hours and on the weekend.

Living close to the main road is a wonderful thing, however, if you’re the type that dislikes having to hear all those awful traffic noises, then this may be a deal breaker for you.

In addition, you also have to consider your neighbors because if you’re living in an apartment complex filled with students, then you may find yourself constantly filing noise complaints.

Conclusion

Shopping for a new residential property that you and your family will really feel ‘at home’ in is a matter of knowing what factors are most important to you.

If you’re unsure about doing this ‘house hunting’ on your own, then you can help from a real estate company in your area.