Photo: © TimAbramowitz - iStockphoto
When purchasing a home, you can rely on the inspector to answer questions about the condition of the roof, foundation, and plumbing, but there are other important questions the inspector’s report can’t answer because the answers depend on a homebuyer’s preference. Here are some great questions to ask as you search for your future home:
Does the House Layout Work for Your Lifestyle?
Walk through a potential new home as if you were just starting your day. Does the layout of the house complement your family’s daily activities? Remember, it’s easy to paint walls a fresh color, but it’s not so easy to move them.
Are the Rooms the Right Size?
If the rooms are too small, you might have to downsize your furniture. If the rooms are too large, you might have difficulty placing your furniture in a way that makes a room seem warm and cozy. Measure your current rooms and let your real estate agent know what size rooms you are looking for before viewing a home.
Does the Home Have Enough Natural Light?
Large, well-placed windows let in natural light. A house with small windows will seem dreary on cloudy days when not enough light can enter. Windows are expensive to replace, and it is wise to buy a house that has modern, well-placed windows.
Is There Space for Parking?
If you plan to stay in the home you are purchasing for a number of years, take a good look at the driveway and garage. Your children may only be 11 and 13 today, but how will that driveway and garage work when there are four drivers in the family?
Is the Back or Front Yard Usable?
Extra land might sound fantastic, but if the land travels down a hill, then it may not be usable. If you cannot add a patio, an extra room, or a nice garden, the extra land is of little value.
Is There Privacy?
A house can meet most of your needs, but if it is only a few feet away from the neighbors, your privacy will be affected. Most people want to be able to open their windows without listening to conversations in the neighboring house. Think carefully before buying a house that doesn’t have enough privacy.
All these tips have an effect on resale value as well, so asking yourself these questions will help you buy a home that has good future resale value.
