choose a new home based on prioritizing home amenities and examining the condition of the house
The first item in choosing a home is selecting amenities. Use the following list to prioritize extras you may want in your home.
__ Private bathrooms
__ Formal living room
__ Formal dining room
__ Separate family room
__ First floor master bedroom
__ Home office
__ Sunroom
__ Keeping room
__ More than 4 bedrooms
__ Grand Foyer
__ Gourmet Kitchen
__ Country Kitchen
__ Large Yard
__ Private pool
__ Shared Pool
__ Golf Course
__ 1 or 2 car garage
__ 3 or more car garage
__ finished walkout basement
__ Finish-able basement
__ Over 3000 square feet
__ Sprinklers
__ Landscaping
You may add other items to this list if you have other priorities. The purpose of the list is to get you to think about what you want in a new home. Once you have made and prioritized your list. It will not take long to figure out how many of your top priorities will fit into your house budget.
Once you have found several houses that you like, you need to look at the condition of the house. What to look for will depend on whether you are buying a new home or an existing home.
If you are purchasing a new house you need to ask answer the following questions.
1. What is the reputation of the builder? Visit other projects done by the same builder, especially older projects. Speak to other homeowners who have worked with the same builder as well.
2. Does the builder pay attention to detail? Look at the model homes as well and homes that are newly completed. Has the builder cut corners in the newly built homes or are they are beautiful as the model home.
3. What are the builders warrantee and guarantee process? Are other homeowners satisfied with the level of service and accountability after the sale?
4. Does the builder allow you to inspect the building process? You will want to inspect the home at least three times during the building process, after foundation pouring, after framing is complete, and once the house is completed. Hire a professional to do these inspections, especially the last one.
If you are purchasing an existing house, in addition to doing a check on the builder and neighborhood, you will want to hire a house inspector to make sure the home is sound. He will need to inspect for the following
1. Foundation shifts and cracks
2. Age and condition of the home
3. Evidence of water damage
4. Condition of attic and crawl space
5. Interior roof structure
6. Quality of workmanship in the main construction and any additions to the house
7. Energy efficiency
8. Electrical malfunctions
9. Plumbing problems
10. Condition of major appliances, heating and cooling systems
11. Cost of necessary repairs
12. Landscape drainage
13. Trees on the property interfering with the roof or foundation
Once you are satisfied with the quality of your house and the purchase is complete, be sure to secure a home protection plan. This will keep you prepared to take care of repairs immediately. Proper and timely care of your new home will affect the assessment and resale value when you go to sell.
