The wedding has ended, and now you and your new spouse are ready to enter into the next exciting chapter of homeownership. Here, RISMedia offers some important details to consider that can help ensure a pleasant house-hunting experience.
Neighborhood
Have a talk with your spouse and discuss your long-term goals, such as whether you want to start a family or move to a different site for job possibilities. You also should take into account the safety of the neighborhood, the school district in which you live and the amount of families that reside in the area. If you’re thinking about having kids in the near future, having great public schools nearby is important.
Required space
Discuss your square-footage expectations and the general space you want within your home, keeping in mind the space you need for daily activities such as family gatherings and your future children. Create a list to help prioritize the type of space that is important to you as individuals and as a couple. For example, if you host a lot of parties, you may want to prioritize a large kitchen and living room. If one of you works from home or needs office space, put that on the top of your list. Keep in mind that compromise often is necessary. Identify the spatial features that might or might not be deal-breakers, including the amount of space versus the location and fixable faults such as unsightly hardware or kitchen countertops.
Bed and bath layout
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms in your home is another important factor. Discuss whether or not you want your home to be able to lodge many bodies or if you would prefer to not have visitors. Just make sure you don’t go over your budget, because the number of rooms and bathrooms has a major influence on the asking price of the house. Decide if you really need that extra guest bedroom if it means sacrificing a large kitchen or the perfect location. If you intend to add on an extra bedroom or bathroom in the future, check the county’s code and permit requirements and the potential cost of the addition.
Hidden expenses
When you determine your budget for your home, make sure to include any ongoing expenses. Utilities are a major cost that can vary based on the house’s sustainability and efficiency. Consider the cost it may take to upgrade your heating and cooling system, major appliances, and windows and doors. It may cost more upfront, but save you a lot of money in the future. So, it’s important to determine what you can afford in the short and long term. You also should be aware of costs related to homeowner’s association dues, structural updates, property taxes, insurance and any other regional fees.
Home security
Look for a home that you can keep safe and sound with solid security features. Search for houses that have trees and tall shrubbery around the lot’s perimeter so they can block the street view of your home. This natural barrier is pleasant to look at and helps prevent burglars from scoping out or monitoring your home. You also should protect your new valuable asset with a security camera system. Choose a security camera system that has the features you need to feel safe and protected both night and day, such as HD resolution, long-range night vision, audio capabilities or ultra-wide angle lenses.
