Now that school is out, and people are starting to have a little more free time, more and more people moving or looking into houses. Searching for a new home is exciting but also confusing. There are many different aspects — realtors, owners, mortgages, etc. And sometimes, it can be too overwhelming. Well, we want to help you on your journey! That is why we created this house hunting checklist.
This is just a brief article. If you want a downloadable checklist that you can print and take to every listing, go here.
House Information
Before looking at any home, you should gather basic information about the house like the style of home, square footage, the neighborhood it resides in, lot size, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the year it was built. We also recommend checking its history. Has it had any flood or fire damage? Is it in a flood or fire zone? Have there been any crimes on or near the property? Collect as much information about the house, so you have a clearer picture if you can see yourself living there are not.
Property/Landscaping
Your first impression of the house is the exterior. The moment you pull into the property, you need to evaluate the exterior of the home and the landscaping. Are there any damages? Does the roof need fixing? Are the gutters clean and working? How is the foundation? Do you see any cracks or gaps in the foundation or the sides of the house? What is the yard like? Do you need to fix the landscaping? These things can cause you to have to put extra work and money into the home.
The Neighborhood/Surrounding Area
The neighborhood or the surrounding area that the property is located at plays a huge factor if to want the house or not. You want to make sure that you are in a safe area as well as a location that is close enough to recreation, shopping, schools, hospitals and other places you may like to visit. So before or after visiting the property, research the area.
Rooms
A big part of your house hunting checklist revolves around all the rooms of the house. While walking throughout the home, make note of the flooring, lighting, walls, windows, closets, storage and space. You may find on your search that some houses do not have enough storage options, while other properties may have outdated flooring. While you may not be able to change everything about these rooms, there are many things that you can do to improve them. If you ever purchase a home in Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville or the surrounding areas, and one of the rooms is not to your liking, then call Valor Home Services to help you remodel, repair or renovate.
Appliances and HVAC
Not all homes come with appliances. But the common ones that many homes include are refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and HVAC (air conditioners and heaters). If the property you are looking at has any of these appliances, make sure to check out its condition. Does everything work? Are there any damages? Are any pieces missing? Are they clean? What is the manufacture date? Do any of the appliances have a warranty? If you have to repair or replace any appliances, you can knock off some money from your purchase from the sellers.
Must-Have & Needs List
Along with your house hunting checklist, you should carry around your must-have or needs list. Your realtor should also have this list, so they can find houses that match your criteria. Having this list will also narrow down your search while you are discovering homes. These must-haves and needs can vary depending on your lifestyle and/or disabilities.
Overall Impressions
After marking up your list, it is time to rate the overall impression of the house. Once you finish rating all the houses, you can then narrow it down to the top contenders. From there, you can then try to get to the house!
By following this checklist, you will have an easier time finding a new home. Need more tips or help? Check out our latest guide about different house hunting tips. Anytime you need to repair, remodel or renovate your home, call Valor Home Services to help.
