Searching for a new home can be a fun experience, but you mustn’t get too caught up in the excitement and risk missing certain things. You don’t want to finalize the sale of a house, only to find later that it has many hidden problems and turns into a money pit. You also want to know that the value of the property is likely to increase, making it a stronger investment for your future. To make sure you’re getting the most for your money, and that your new home will be a happy one, look out for these four things when you’re house hunting so that you don’t make these mistakes when buying a house.
Location
Where a house is situated can have a big impact on its value, so you must take the time to investigate the local area to get a better idea of where you’re moving to. You might see a large house on the market but notice it’s priced low for a property like that – what a bargain, right? Maybe not, there’s likely to be a catch to this deal. These downsides will either be that there is a lot of refurbishment required to make the property accommodating to live in, or it’ll be located in a bad area. Always do your research into the surrounding area of the house you’re interested in before you make an offer.
Storage
A house or flat might look idyllic, but consider how much built-in storage space is in the property. Is there an attic? A basement? A large garage? Are there any built-in closets where you can keep your linen or other items that need to be stored away? Think about how useful these additional storage spaces are and make sure you have enough to help keep your new home tidy and more spacious.
Electrical Outlets
This point might not make it onto a lot of ‘must-have’ lists when it comes to house hunting, but be wary of how many electrical outlets the house has when you go to view it. New build homes should have plenty, but older properties sometimes aren’t as well-equipped. Of course, an electrician might be able to help you fix this problem later on, but why should you pay for the additional expense? To avoid tripping on extension cords that run around your house, pay attention to this detail.
Signs of Damp/Damage
Signs of damp include bubbling wallpaper or paint, watermarked ceilings or walls, and usually, there is a musty smell. However, when viewing a property, these signs might not be as obvious, as the seller will have done what they can to cover up the issue to make a sale. A surveyor can investigate the property before you finalize the sale to check for any hidden signs of damage or damp, but try to keep your eyes peeled when you go to viewings for these problems as well.
As well as all of the other things you’re looking for in a house, make sure you’re paying attention to some of these less obvious details to make sure your new home is free from unnecessary problems.