Saturday, September 1, 2012

What to Look Out For in a New Home | Erie Construction Blog

Foreclosure rates are still high, and home prices have dropped, so the market is saturated with homes- and there are fewer people buying them. The next two years will be a great time to buy a home, as long as you meet certain criteria. There are also certain things that make a house more marketable- here are some things to look for when shopping for a home.

  • It should be the correct size. You should look for a house that?s the right size for your family. Look for a home with at least three bedrooms, and preferably four. Two-bed homes are best suited to couples with no children and singles, and homes with five bedrooms or more are better for larger families. The home should have at least 1 ? or two bathrooms as well. Square footage should be between 1,000-2,000 for optimum energy efficiency and comfort.
  • It should have curb appeal. ?Find a home with good architecture that only requires some cosmetic upgrades; landscaping and painting are two that are relatively inexpensive.

Making changes to a home?s interior can be expensive, but there are some improvements that can be done cheaply. If you spend a few months? worth of weekends on these projects, you will make your home a much more enjoyable place to live. Look for a home that has room for improvement, as homes that are perfectly up-to-date are selling at a premium. Try adding:

  • Modern light fixtures
  • Neutral or earth-toned paint
  • Up-to-date outlet and light switch colors
  • Refinished or new hardwood floors

If you?re planning to sell your home at some point in the future, there are certain features that buyers are looking for, but aren?t cost-effective. Central air units, new cabinetry, fireplaces, larger garages, and energy-efficient UPVC windows are all great amenities, so you should look for a home that already has these features.

More and more buyers are looking for homes in areas that are closer to their workplace, rather than retreating into the suburbs. Getting a home closer to work saves you money and time, and homes closer to cities are typically a little older and more structurally sound. Another consideration you need to make is the quality of the local schools. Whether or not you have children, the quality of schools correlates with the quality of the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The most desirable locations are going to be more expensive, but it will help you in the event that you sell. We?ve told you some of the things you should look for when you?re buying a home, but it wouldn?t be fair unless we listed some of the things you should avoid. Stay away from homes with structural issues; repairs cost a lot, and if they go unfixed, it will detract from the resale value. Foundation issues, termite damage, water/mold damage, plumbing and electrical problems, or an outdated water heater can all be very expensive repairs- before you buy, hire a home inspector to look for issues such as these.

Phot Credit: http://www.solsearch.us/USimages/Hatteras-House.JPG

Wayne Barker writes for Stormclad ? specialists in UPVC windows.

Source: http://betterhomeblog.com/what-to-look-out-for-in-a-new-home/

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