Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime, so it’s important to make the best decision possible for you and your family. There are a lot of options when it comes to buying a home, which means there are tons of things you need to think about before making your choice. 

Here are 10 things to consider before buying a home:

Location

City centre, the suburbs, an acreage on the outskirts of the city—location is everything! You’ll want to make sure the location of your home fits your lifestyle. Ask yourself questions like:

• How long would my daily commute be?

• How far is it from main roads or highways? 

• How far is it from the friends and family I visit most often?

Then consider the neighborhood itself. What amenities does it offer? Schools, recreational facilities, shopping, walking or biking paths, playgrounds and libraries, for example.

Price

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to make sure the house you choose fits your budget and financial goals. You’ll also want to make sure you’re working with a REALTOR® who has experience with the market you are considering and can advise you on a fair price for the home you’re interested in.

Layout

Think about what kind of layout will work best for your lifestyle. Do you like an open concept for entertaining and your family to gather in,  or do you prefer having separate spaces within your home so everyone has their own space? Now think about a typical day in your home. Is the layout functional for your lifestyle? How big is the entryway? Is the kitchen big enough? Where are the bedrooms and bathrooms located? What about the laundry room? Are there a lot of stairs? DO you have enough storage?

The Yard

The size (and even the shape) of your yard can make a difference. Proximity to your neighbours and privacy (trees, fences) are also important things to consider in a yard.  You’ll also want to note the direction your home faces. If the house is back south, it means you’ll get a lot of sun in your yard. If it faces north, you’ll get the shade.

Age and Condition

The age and the condition of the home often indicate how much money or maintenance you’ll need to put into the property after you purchase it. Repairing and replacing things like appliances, fixtures, plumbing systems, or heating and cooling systems can be costly, so it’s important to consider what kind of shape they’re in before you buy. A good home inspection is important before buying any home and will give you an expert opinion on the home’s condition. 

Style

Whether or not a home fits your taste and style (or how willing you are to renovate and update the home) is a crucial consideration. If you want to buy a home “as is” and don’t want to have to make a lot of changes, you’ll want to make sure you like the colours and materials as they are.  If you’re willing to renovate, take some time to research the extent of the changes you will want to make. How much money will you need to invest in materials and labour, and how long will the renovations take? 

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms

How many bedrooms you need will, of course, depend on the size of your family. However, it’s also important to consider other uses for bedrooms. Do you need one to be used as an office space or craft room? What about overnight guests?  The number of bathrooms you need not only depends on your family but also on your lifestyle and preferences. Does each person need their own bathroom or are some family members okay to share a bathroom? Do you need a tub-and-shower combo in each bathroom or is one of the other fine? 

Storage Space

Not having enough storage space can be a big headache. Think about how much space you actually need for your things (or whether or not you’re open to downsizing). Does each family member have enough closet space? What about dishes and kitchen appliances? Where will you put your coats and shoes? How about your holiday decorations? If the storage isn’t quite up-to-snuff at the buying stage, take some time to research what storage options are available and whether or not they’ll work for the home you want to buy. 

Maintenance

Maintenance includes everything from cleaning to lawn maintenance to repairs to replacements.  The bigger the home, the more time and energy will be needed for cleaning and upkeep. Think about how much time and energy you and your family want to put into your home on a regular basis. Or, is this something you would hire out (and how much would that cost)? 

Your REALTOR®!

Buying a home can feel overwhelming at times. You are faced with tons of tough decisions as you compare the pros and cons of each property you consider. A good REALTOR® knows the market you are purchasing your home in and is with you every step of the way, answering your questions and offering you solutions.   Open and honest communication with your REALTOR® is key. Your REALTOR® should take the time to answer all of your questions during your home buying experience and make sure every detail is clear. If you’re looking to Buy Homes in Edmonton area, contact me, Jeneen Marchant today! I understand that your home is one of your most valuable assets, and want you to be comfortable with every decision you make during its purchase.

Hi, I'm Jeneen Marchant!

I’m here to help you find you during your next Real Estate transaction. Home ownership is a beautiful thing and I love seeing my buyers happily opening the door to their new home on possession day. I also get great satisfaction from helping my sellers get the best price possible for their home when it is time to move on to another property.