5 Tips Before You Buy a New Home

Buying a new home is an exciting time, but it’s important not to make any quick decisions. Because your home is such a notable investment, the last thing you want is to be forced into making repairs after you move in. Looking for the right things ahead of time can help you avoid making expensive mistakes. These five suggestions will help you limit your risk when searching for a home to buy.

1. Don’t Forget To Budget Closing Costs

Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to account for closing costs. If you forget to budget for closing fees, your dream home can easily slip out of your budget range. Try and save an additional 5% of your loan amount for closing costs. The costs may be as low as 2% or over 5%.

You can also compare prices for homeowners insurance, home inspections, and title searches to help save money. You can even negotiate the commision with your real estate agent or ask the seller to pay a portion of the closing costs. Try and consult with a qualified real estate agent who can help you find ways to save costs and avoid going over budget.

2. Be Observant During Open Houses

During an open house, it’s important to keep an eye out for the small details. Disliking the color of a room or the flooring aren’t factors important enough to be deal breakers. Keep an eye out for stains, smells, and damage to the home that is permanent and expensive to repair.

During an open house ask as many questions as possible. Find out how old the air conditioning unit is, and the last time it was repaired. Ask when the home was built and if any renovations were done. Try and learn as much as you can about the condition and history of all the essential items that come with the home.

3. Get A Plumber To Make An Inspection Before You Sign Off

If you’re close to signing off on a home, it’s worth getting a plumber to conduct an inspection. Problems with the hot water tank or septic system can suddenly make your investment in the house not worth it. Get a plumber to check the home for mold, water damage, and leaks. Severe damage in these areas may be deal breakers.

Before closing on a home, it’s also important to get a contractor to inspect the roof. You can look for obvious things on your own such as if the roof is caving in, but it’s always worth getting a professional opinion. Buying a home with a roof in bad condition is a poor investment.

4. Examine The Land Around The Home

In addition to exploring the home, make sure you inspect the area around it. Examining the properly is especially important if you live in an area at risk of wildfires or flooding. Look at the fence and make sure it’s been built and positioned properly. Look for any uneven sections of the lawn. Check to see if the driveway is shared with another property. These factors influence the quality of the home.

5. Make Sure The Home Is Insulated

Insulation makes a significant difference in how much costs to heat or cool your home. Having proper insulation is a crucial part of keeping your home comfortable. Get a contractor to check the water pipes, heating ducts, and attic to ensure they are adequately insulated. Buying a home without proper insulation will cost you tons of money in energy costs over the years.

Properly insulated homes also help block noises from the outside. Houses with double paned windows should also grab your attention. Double paned windows are energy efficient and prevent sound from entering your home.