10 Things You’re Not Looking For When House Hunting
10 Things You’re Not Looking For When House Hunting
You’re ready to buy a home in the St Petersburg, Florida area. You’ve been watching House Hunters on HGTV and you know exactly what you want: Spacious bedrooms, updated kitchen, close to shopping and beaches. But there may be things you aren’t noticing in all the excitement. Here are 10 common things home buyers overlook when looking for their dream home.
1. Commute
Check Your Commute
You’ve found the perfect house with all the amenities you need, but what does your commute look like? Pull up Google Maps on your phone while you are at the property and you can easily decide if the commute (or lack thereof) will work for you.
2. Noise
What’s the Noise Level Like?
Chances are if your route to work is nearby, the noise level from major highways is the trade off which can be an obstacle for most buyers. Some other things to consider are whether the house is in a flight path or near major transportation hubs like bu stops.
3. Neighborhood
The Neighborhood Matters
While this may seem like a common factor to think about, there are some concerns and questions your realtor will be able to help you sort through. What does the neighborhood feel like at different times of day? Is the street busy at different times during the day/night? Are there late night parties happening at nearby rental properties? It’s important to get a feel for the neighborhood at all points in the day.
4. Association Fees and Rules
Association Fees And Rules
Some homes are located in a community where fees are required to maintenance or grounds upkeep or have restrictions like what sort of car you can have in your driveway or what color you paint your home. Some questions your realtor can answer are what fees are due and what the schedule is for those fees (some are due yearly or quarterly).
5. Cellular Signal
Is There Cell Signal
Probably the most overlooked item on this list of 10 things you’re not looking for when house hunting is whether your cellphone works in the home. As you’ll be spending most of your time at home, it’s a good idea to test what the cellular signal is not only in the area but inside the home. Will it be an issue if inside you’re missing calls or can’t send a text message?
6. Neighbors
Meet The Neighbors
If you can, try to pop in and meet some of the neighbors or go to a local neighborhood event to see if your personality fits in well with people established within the community. Talking with people who live there can give you valuable insight to what the neighborhood is like that you can’t see from just touring the area.
7. Water Pressure
Water Pressure
Water pressure inside your home is important whether you’re buying a large family home or a downtown condo. Imagine waking up in the morning to shower and the barely dripping from the shower head. When you take your multiple tours of the home, be sure to ru nthe faucets and give those toilets a flush just to be sure the water pressure is fit.
8. Resale Value
Consider Resale Value
Resale value is important whether you plan to stay in the home for a few years or ten plus years. It’s important to know the factors that can affect the value of the home you’re looking at. Are there empty lots nearby? Are their plans to build condos or apartment buildings next door? Can your picture perfect views be obstructed?
9. Additions
Room for Additions
If you fall in love with the bones of the home and the neighborhood or you just hate the idea of moving, you may want to consider having a professional advise on any future additions that can be added and have them draw plans for you. This can be particularly helpful information to have if you do end up moving. Buyers like to see that there is room for the improvements.
10. Bedrooms and Bathrooms
More Bathrooms Are A Plus
Here’s a little secret we’ve learned from over 50+ combined years of real estate experience: You will never regret having that extra bathroom. Whether it’s your family expanding, having people visit, or throwing those parties you’re well-known for, having the right bathroom number for your needs is an important factor when buying a home.