Essential House Hunting Tips: What to Look for Before You Buy a Home

Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes

House hunting can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never experienced it before. There are so many different things to consider before you make an offer. To help you prepare and feel confident before you visit properties, we’ve outlined four of the most significant elements to keep in mind!

Location, Location, Location

Your home’s location is the one feature of your home that you can’t change. It can also influence a lot, including your home’s value. In addition to investing in the house and lot, you’re investing in a new neighborhood and community. Is the lot located close to a busy road? Are you close to amenities that are important to you, like your workplace or favorite restaurants?

Use Your Senses

Don’t forget about your senses of smell and hearing when house hunting!

Some smells aren’t a big deal, like dust if a home has been unused for a long time. Other smells can be a sign of problems, such as previous flooding or mold.

How are the noise levels in the house and surrounding neighborhood? Is the home located near a major highway or a busy main road? If the property is a condo or townhouse, will your neighbors be too loud?

House Size and Floor Plan

Think critically about the minimum square footage that fits your lifestyle and the maximum square feet you’d feel comfortable maintaining. You may only need a primary bedroom and an office right now, but consider what life stages you’ll want to go through while in the house. How can you utilize the space as your needs develop? Do you need a space that can accommodate a growing family or aging in place? Will you have enough storage for your belongings, seasonal items, and clothing? Are the hallways wide enough for your accessibility or furniture moving needs?

Curb Appeal

A home’s curb appeal encapsules everything you can see from the outside, including the exterior, landscaping, and overall condition. When you visit a house, take some time to walk along the perimeter. Is the siding beginning to warp? Is paint cracking and peeling? Does the roof look well-maintained? Have you noticed any cracking or bulging in the foundation? Answering these questions can reveal details about a home even before an inspection.

Hunting for Your Dream Home

When you work with a Licensed Loan Originator and a Real Estate Agent, you’re setting yourself up for home financing success! By bringing a pre-approval letter to open houses, you’re showing sellers that you have the financial means of obtaining a mortgage and making monthly payments.

A pre-approval letter is just one of the ways we help our borrowers reach the closing table. Ready to get started? Contact us!