Did you know that 32% of people looking to buy new homes are first-time buyers? The appeal of a new home is unavoidable — new homes are often much easier to find in certain areas, and for that matter there’s just something about living in a home that’s never been lived in before, or has only had one or two previous occupants. But at the same time, it can be difficult to decide whether or not a new home is really for you. This is why it’s important for buyers — especially first-time buyers — to not only use real estate agents, but communicate with them in order to figure out what they really want, what’s best for them and most accessible, and how to put all of those ideas together. Below, we’ll look into some of the factors that you should consider when looking for a home to buy, and for that matter how that might relate to your interest in a new home. But remember: it’s crucial for people to work with real estate agents. Even if you feel you can get what you need on your own, you’ll often find that the best deals can only be made with the help of real estate agents. And when you’re a first-time buyer, you’ll certainly need all the help you can get. With that being said, let’s move on to what you should consider when looking for a home.
1. Location
Location can be a major part of the house hunt for first-time buyers, whether they’re new to the area or have lived there all their lives. As most first-time buyers are younger — in fact, studies indicate that 61% of home buyers in 2017 are projected to be under 35 — they’re often looking to settle in an area that doesn’t just work for the moment, but for the future. This is where you should ask yourself questions — if you don’t have children, do you plan on having them in the future? Are you building a career in a certain area? If you plan on having kids or already have them, you’ll want to be in right school district, as well as in a location that might make it easier for your children to have local friends. Of course, whether or not people want to have children, there are other things you should consider regarding location. In fact, 56% of millennials and 46% of baby boomers want homes in walkable neighborhoods, not only because of their natural appeal, but because of convenience.
2. Curb Appeal
Appearance is another factor that home buyers need to discuss with real estate agents. Whether or not appearance matters to you as a first time buyer on an aesthetic level, you should invest in a home with a good amount of curb appeal, for practical and financial reasons alone. Even if you plan on living in your first home for the rest of your life — which most firs-time buyers don’t — you may end up having to sell your home unexpectedly. In that case, you should think about the potential return on your investment. Usually, homeowners can expect to get a 100% return on their investment in their home’s curb appeal. But in the case of a new home, you don’t have to necessarily worry about investing in a renovation that will make your house more aesthetically pleasing. New homes usually don’t have as much wear and tear as older homes, and less wear and tear means fewer renovations, or none at all.
3. Style
Curb appeal on its own is one thing — the style of a home is another. You may not care as much about the specific style of your home — many home owners are more interested in practical aspects like the number of floors in a house — but your mind may change in the future, and the style of your home can very much affect its value. So make sure to ask a real estate agent about what sells in your area.
