Looking for a new home can be exciting — especially if it’s your first home ever. But buying a house isn’t quite the same as buying a new appliance or clothes; and not just in terms of expense. The fact is that real estate is an investment, and it’s important to think about not just what you want and need out of a home now, but what you’ll need in the long term. This is why it’s so important to work with realtors when buying a new home. Not only do real estate agents help people find homes with the amenities that they love; they also help them make smart investments. Some realtors can even make suggestions about how to best increase the value of a home. Whether you’re looking for houses or condos, you shouldn’t do it alone. You need that outside opinion that can help keep you from getting caught up in the thrill of a new home. Below, we’ll look into some of the issues you should keep in mind when shopping for a home. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to make a decision when the time comes.
Location, Location, Location
Location is an important thing to consider when buying real estate. In fact, 52% of home buyers stated that the hardest part of buying a new home was finding the right property. And a property isn’t just the home or condo itself, but the land it’s on. For that matter, a lot of people tend to take into account the location of their property when making the decision about whether or not to buy. Things like school districts, proximity to shopping, and commute should be kept in mind. The right home should also be in a place that is safe and visually appealing. The visual appearance of a home does affect its overall value. If you ever need to or want to sell your home, you’ll want it to have a certain amount of curb appeal. Usually, curb appeal offers a 100% return on investment. With that being said, if a home is in the right location, you can do some things to spruce up its curb appeal. A new paint job or a more inviting door, and perhaps a redone lawn, can increase a home’s value with a relatively low investment.
Renovations And Remodeling
It’s true that if you buy a house or condo in need of renovations and remodeling, it will likely be less expensive than a house that needs zero work. With that being said, you can expect to spend a good amount on those renovations. A lot of people like the idea of buying a home that needs some work, simply because it’s easier then to make changes that will turn the home into what you want. Real estate benefits greatly from remodeling and renovations, and depending on the kinds you make, the return on your investment can be huge. A small kitchen remodel can offer a return on your investment of 82.7%. Additions, too, can bring a lot of value to a home. Bathroom remodels, for example, offer an average return on investment of 86.4%. Value aside, remodels and renovations can really allow a homeowner to express his or herself and infuse a home with his or her personal taste. While you may want to keep in mind the general tastes of others when remodeling your home, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to.
Online Versus In Person Viewings
Lots of people being their real estate hunts online. Online searches are great tools for people, especially when they’re shopping for homes from a great distance. With that being said, it’s ideal to get an in person look at a home before signing any paperwork. Even if you can’t see a home in person yourself, you should perhaps send a trusted person — perhaps even a realtor you really trust — to get pictures and maybe even video that isn’t taken from a website before you buy.
