Looking for a new house is exciting and daunting, mainly because there are so many details to pay attention to. However, during the rush of exploring new homes and comparing features, many more minor details can get overlooked. Since you need to double-check everything, let’s dive into those little-known things you may miss when buying a new house.
Storage Capacity
Assess how much stuff you have right now. If you’re moving into a bigger house, you’ll probably have plenty of room for everything. But sometimes, people tend to grow into their homes. For instance, over time, you will undoubtedly acquire extra stuff. As a result, you need lots of storage space for all the items you currently have and those you may accumulate in the future.
Most of your storage areas will typically be in the kitchen and the garage. However, what if you have seasonal items or stuff that you only bring out a few times per year? For example, what if you have Christmas decorations that you need to store for 11 months of the year? You’ll discover it quickly if you’re short on storage space. But you don’t want to learn that after you’ve closed the deal.
Neighborhood
Most people will research their neighborhood, such as the school district, shopping areas, median income, etc. However, spreadsheets and statistics will only tell you so much. To get acquainted with your potential new neighborhood, you must walk around and explore before moving in.
How are the streets? Are they well-maintained or rough around the edges? Do most neighbors park their cars on the road, driveway, or garage? How does the neighborhood feel at different times of the day? Does it seem safe and welcoming at night? What is your vibe from neighbors and other people on the street?
Generally, you can get a good sense of what your neighborhood will be like by walking around it a few times. While you may not be able to pinpoint exact issues, you can tell when an area is unsafe or undesirable, regardless of how it looks on paper.
Cracks and Cosmetic Damage
Part of the home-buying process is getting a four-point inspection. While this inspection covers the primary elements of the house, it doesn’t look at everything. Minor cracks and cosmetic damage could be potential disasters waiting to happen. For example, a small crack in the foundation today could expand and become more significant after a few years. You don’t want to be on the hook for a hugely expensive repair like that.
Pay closer attention to these minor damages to determine if they’re warning signs or just regular wear and tear. If they’re the latter, you can rest easier.
Resale Value
It may seem strange to consider selling your new house before buying it, but the thought should be on your mind. Also, consider whether this is a starter home, a family home, or a forever home. If you’re planning to stay in the house for 20 or 30 years at least, you should think about how the neighborhood will evolve. If you’re thinking of reselling it within five or ten years, you want to make sure you can build equity and use it to upgrade to another place.
Get Moving Help From Us Today!
Once you’ve found your perfect house, you must figure out how to move in. We can manage the logistics so you can focus on getting settled. Contact us today to find out more!