What a Buyer Should be Looking at when Choosing a Home

It’s easy to fall in love with a beautifully staged home. However, if a buyer doesn’t look beyond the décor after closing day they may be headed for buyer’s remorse, costly repairs and financial hardship. To make a smart real estate purchase make sure to use this checklist and dig a little deeper into the property you’re considering. Location – We have all heard the phrase – Location, Location, Location! But did you know that Location is the number one factor in determining a properties value? It is also a feature that you will not be able to Change down the Road. Location will always drive demand so to ensure you are making a smart real estate choice, choose a location desirable for you and buyers in the future. So, what makes a property have a great location – Look at  Nearby Schools Crime Rates Transportation and Ease of Commute Proximity to Shopping, Restaurants, Beaches Ect Neighborhood and Amenities Future Development Plans Size & Layout Matters – Before touring a home it’s a good idea to have both a Wish-List and a Must Have. The layout and space a home provides should be on the must-have side. That way you are not comprising on space and functionality. This will also help your real estate agent narrow down the listings being sent to you. A couple great questions to help you determine your needs are – How many Bedrooms/Bath do I HAVE to HAVE – Your Wishlist can then have a range as long as you know your minimum Placement of Bedrooms – Ask yourself do I need to have my master bedroom on the main floor, near other bedrooms which may be suitable for families with young children or a split floorplan. Placement of Bathrooms – Is an ensuite a deal breaker? Looking for Jack-N-Jill Bathrooms for Kids ect. Flex/Office Space – Do you need a Home Office or Flex Space for Kids Storage Space – Is there enough closets, any attic room, garage space etc. Floor Plan – Do you want an open floor plan, are stairs out of the question or preferred, Ect   Home Type – Another great tool to narrow down listings before even heading out the door to view is to consider the different home types available to you. They all come with their own pros and cons so again take a moment to see what fits your budget and lifestyle. A couple popular types to compare are-          Single Faamily Home Condominium Manufactured Home Attached / Deattached Villas When comparing consider these important differences, insurance costs, upkeep, reoccurring fees, privacy, and property tax. Potential to Age in Place – When considering this topic, you need to ask yourself how long do I plan to stay in this home? Do I have any relatives that I may need to help care for in the near future. As a real estate agent in Southwest Florida this topic is a popular one. If this is important to you – you might want to consider looking at home that have the following features Wider Hallways/Door Ways No Stairs Grab Bars/ Shower Stool Non Slip Flooring Proximity to Hospitals Consider the Windows/Sliders –Windows play a critical role in energy efficiency, natural light, and ventilation. Check if they are Impact Rated, double-paned or have any energy-efficient features that can save you money on heating and cooling bills. Also, inspect for any signs of damage or drafts which could indicate the need for costly replacements. Do they Open and Close with Ease. HOA vs. Non/HOA - Homeowners Association (HOA) rules and fees are also vital factors to consider when you’re looking at properties. HOAs can provide valuable services like landscaping, security, and community amenities, but they also come with fees that can add up over time. Review the HOA rules carefully to ensure they align with your lifestyle and financial plans. Make sure you review the budget and it’s a great idea to ask for the past years meeting minutes to see if any future assessments are in the works.   Plumbing – This is another essential feature that should not be overlooked. Turn on faucets to check water pressure and observe how quickly hot water reaches each outlet. Look under sinks for any signs of leaks or mold, which could indicate more significant issues. Additionally, inquire about the age of the plumbing system; older systems may require updates or replacements sooner than newer ones. What type of materials are used – many insurance companies will not cover Polybutylene Pipes so it’s a great idea to do some research ahead of time and look for red flags.   Electrical Systems - are equally important. Ensure that the home’s wiring meets current safety standards and can handle modern electrical demands. Is the home capable of having a EV charging station, pool added on ect. Check for updated circuit breakers rather than outdated fuse boxes, which could be a sign that the electrical system has been upgraded recently. Don’t hesitate to ask about recent inspections or upgrades to avoid unexpected electrical problems down the road. Again, many insurance companies will not cover homes with outdated electric panels or brands known for recalls and safety issues.   9. Age - The age of the home itself is another critical consideration. Older homes often come with charm and character but may also bring additional maintenance requirements. While historic homes can be appealing, they might need more frequent repairs or updates to meet current building codes. On the other hand, newer homes generally require less immediate maintenance but may lack some of the unique features found in older properties. If an older home is more desirable, make sure to ask for the age of - HVAC System Roof Appliances Water Heater Inspections – Finally found the one! Protect yourself and make sure you give ample time to have the home inspected by a licensed professional. Depending on your property here are a few of the inspections I recommend performing, however speak to your agent as inspections do differ per location.   4 point – Inspects the Roof, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC systems. Pest – Checks for Pest Infestatioon including Termites Mold and Air Quality Test Buying a home is one of life’s most significant investments; therefore, it requires careful consideration beyond superficial appearances. By focusing on the above looking past decor trends during tours, buyers can make informed decisions that lead them toward finding not just any house but their perfect home. Taking these factors into account will help ensure your new residence meets both your current needs and future aspirations—a place where memories will flourish for years to come! In the Market for a Home in SW Florida - I would love to help!