Things To Look For When Buying A House
Buying a house is already a big decision, and buying a house that is not suitable for you can affect you and your family for years to come. That’s why it’s crucial to ask important questions and watch out for any red flags when searching the market for a new house.
The first and most important factor to consider when buying a house is to find out how much you can afford and it’s recommended that you apply for an agreement/mortgage in principle before you begin your search. This can help you narrow down your search so you only consider houses you can afford. Having an agreement in principle is also attractive to vendors and estate agents, should you make an offer on a house, because it shows you’re a serious buyer and have the means to buy the house.
Once you’ve figured out your finances, you’ll then want to make a list of things you need and want in a home. Rank them in their level of importance and decide what things you can and cannot compromise on. Need help creating a list? Here’s how to create your home buying Wishlist.
Below we’ve included a list of things to look for when viewing houses.
Location and neighbourhood
An important thing to consider when buying a new home is its location in a neighbourhood that you prefer. Depending on your lifestyle and occupation, you may want to choose a location that is close to work for shorter commutes, or if you want your children to attend a specific school, you can search for homes near the school. If you can’t afford a home in your chosen neighbourhood, look for any other area with similar attributes and amenities, and find a location that best suits your lifestyle, needs and budget.
House size
The size of the house you want to buy will depend on your personal preference and needs. However, you should have a general idea of your ideal size and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you require.
If you have a big family or are planning on growing your family, you’ll need more space and should therefore look for a larger home that can accommodate your family in addition to house guests. on the other hand, if you’re single or a couple, you can settle for a smaller and more affordable home.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
The easiest way to narrow down your search is to decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, especially if you have or are planning to have children. You’ll also need to decide if you need any extra rooms based on your personal needs. For example, you may need an extra room to be used as a guest bedroom or to convert into a home office.
Besides the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, you’ll also need to consider closet space, the aspect of the bedrooms for natural light, general privacy and whether or not you’d prefer to have an ensuite bathroom for the main bedrooms. When viewing houses make a note of what type of shower or tub each bathroom has. Make sure you’re happy with the bathrooms as-is because bathroom renovations can be costly.
Storage space
One thing that is usually overlooked during viewings is storage space. If you have a lot of stuff that you need to keep out of sight, you need to ensure the houses you’re viewing have plenty of storage space. It can be frustrating if you move into your new home and struggle to find a place to put everything.
EPC rating
An EPC is a document that contains information about a property’s energy usage by giving the property an efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (lease efficient) that is valid for 10 years. It also provides information about the potential costs of heating and powering a property and provides recommendations on how to reduce the energy use to save money. Make sure you check the EPC rating before putting an offer on a house. To find out more about EPCs, check out What you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
Exterior
Just as you’d check the interior of a house for any signs of damage or problems, you’d want to check the exterior as well to ensure the overall structure of the house is sound. Walk around the house and look for any red flags. A solid foundation and a new, sturdy roof are great signs. Assess the roof for damage. If unsure, ask the owners when the roof was installed or last changed. Check the exterior walls and brickwork for hairline cracks. Check the condition of the gutter and look for any signs of leak. Look at the type of windows that have been fitted and check for condensation. Steer clear of any property with major signs of damage.
Outdoor space
The amount of outdoor space you need will depend entirely on your personal preference and what you’ll be using the space for. The front yard is usually what people see as they drive by or what greets you and your guests when coming home. So when searching for a house look for one with a well-kept yard or if you have plans for the outdoor space yourself, make sure the lot size can accommodate them. The size of the rear yard will also depend on what you’re planning on using it for. For example, if you want a deck or patio, gardens, planters, or a shed, you need to ensure you have enough space to fit them all. Lastly, keep in mind that although larger lots have more potential, they also require much more maintenance work.
Garage and parking
If you have a big family and have more than one car, you will need to ensure it has the required parking space you need. Make a note of the total amount of parking space the property has and consider street parking if available, and don’t forget to check if you need to obtain a permit for street parking.
Looking to move?
Are you looking to buy a house in Liverpool? Lavelle Estates is here to help. Give our expert team a call or use the search tool on our website to search for your next dream home.
Need to sell your house before buying a new one? Lavelle Estates can also help you list your current house while helping you search for your next home.
