Key-Features-to-Consider-When-Comparing-Homes
Comparing homes when house-hunting can be a difficult process. Every buyer has certain wants and needs, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. But there are a number of other things that you should be on the lookout for as well when house-hunting. The following are a few things to look for when comparing homes for sale:
- The kitchen appliances – Some of the most expensive features found in any home are the kitchen appliances. Ideally, you’ll want a home with newer kitchen appliances. Old kitchen appliances may not work as well, cost you more money in terms of energy usage and may not last as long, which means they may need to be replaced if you buy the house.
- The bathroom – Check all the bathrooms to see what condition its features are in, such as the shower or tub and the plumbing fixtures. You’ll want to know whether or not you’ll need to invest in renovating the bathroom areas if you do decide to purchase the home.
- The HVAC system – Have a look at all the major systems in the house, from the heating and cooling system to the hot water heater. If these systems are old or in poor shape, it could mean that you’ll either have to deal with an inefficient HVAC system and high utility bills or the costs of having to repair or replace the system. A house that has a new HVAC system installed should be much more attractive to you for those very reasons.
- The materials and finishes – The value of the home is often dependent on the type of materials and finishes that are used. Be on the lookout for cheaper materials such as vinyl flooring, laminate countertops and lower quality carpeting. Materials such as tile, wood, granite and slate are of much higher quality and provide much more value.
- The outdoor area – Inspect the outside area for possible damage to the roof, downspouts, gutters and more. Try to find out what maintenance has been done on these features in the past and if any of these features were replaced at one point.
- The neighborhood – The house may be in perfect shape and may boast every feature that you want. However, if the neighborhood isn’t to your liking then you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. Things you’ll want to consider concerning the neighborhood include safety, proximity to where you work, proximity to nearby amenities and the quality of the school system (if you have, or are planning on having, children).
- Amenities added by the homeowner – Ask about the upgrades that were made to the home, from simple crown molding that was built into the living room cabinets to the pool in the backyard. Most homeowners will tell you what upgrades they made and how much they cost. This information is helpful when comparing the costs and features of different properties that are in similar neighborhoods.
- A paper trail – Always ask for a paper trail. If the homeowner has made upgrades or repairs, you’ll want to know when they were made and how much they cost. If the homeowner doesn’t have any of the receipts for these things, you may want to consider moving on to the next home. A paper trail will make you more informed and more secure in the purchase of a house.
There are a many things to look for when buying a house. These are a few of the more important things to look for and compare when considering multiple properties.
If you’re on the hunt for your next home and want a partner who can help you find the right home, contact Park Avenue Properties of Colorado Springs.
