It is one of our biggest investments and some of us are making it more than once in our lifetime.
Like many things in our lives that have changed dramatically, so have our housing practices. Most of us do not stay in one house for our entire lives as it used to be for many people in previous generations.
Our modern and dynamic lifestyle and economy require flexibility, mobility and frequent changes. People continue their jobs and careers, even if it means moving across the nation.
This trend is in line with our culture of consumer society. We replace everything faster, treating clothes, cars (some just rent), refrigerators, and our homes like fashion items.
with short longevity.
When we decide to buy a house, we must think in terms of medium to medium time periods and that should lead us to consider the resale value of our house in the future.
Buying a home with good resale value may take a little longer and may require a little more work on your part, but you’ll love the payback later when it sells quickly and puts extra money in your bank account.
The first consideration should be your family’s needs, but keeping an open mind about what might satisfy future buyers is key, too.
The three most important factors are: location, location and location… 🙂
In fact, it is the first thing to consider when looking for a home. So what makes a good location?
There are some general elements that are obvious like:
– Does the neighborhood have quick and easy access to
schools, shopping centers and country clubs.
– It is advisable to choose a house that is relatively high
above the area, which can provide two advantages: a flow of
good air and a better view.
– How many neighbors are adjacent to you and/or across from you in
proximity, of course the less the better.
– A house located at the end of the street will suffer less
noise from neighbors and their guests. if the street is
a dead end is even better. A corner house can have more
light and air.
– The orientation of the house to the north if it is a warm climate
area unlike the south in cold areas. Usually,
an empirical rule and this is general and found to be correct for
many places around the world, oddly enough,
northern neighborhoods are often more desirable than
those from the south exactly like those from the west are more
more prestigious than the eastern ones.
– The size of the lot, its shape and the square meters of the
house itself. If most buyers in your area are
young families with children, consider a house with a large
patio that is not facing a busy street.
– There are many other environmental aspects to consider with
respect for personal preference as a green agricultural area
against urban area, quality of schools and other social services
and facilities.
In addition to these external considerations, there are many important internal elements that can add to the quality of a home that buyers are always looking for, such as:
– Closets, many closets and with the most additional storage
space as possible.
– Light and bright – Homes with lots of natural lighting are
very popular.
– Split bedroom plans, with bedrooms at each end of the house,
are becoming more and more popular with buyers.
– If you live in a picturesque area, having a view can help you sell.
– Lots of bedrooms, bathrooms and break rooms.
– Large and convenient kitchen with so many cabinets and
cooking space as possible.
– The trend to work from home demands a suitable room for
be set up as a home office.
– Washers and dryers located on the same level as the
bad rooms.
– A spacious base is an advantage.
Features to avoid
– One-bath houses sell for much less than houses with at least
least two bathrooms and take longer to sell.
– Electric baseboard heating and electric ceiling heating are not as
desirable as central heating systems. a fireplace in the
living room is a plus.
– Tubs and showers in outdated colors or scratched for years
Improper cleaning, can be difficult to change without tearing
doors or walls.
– Popcorn ceilings date a house, you know, those uneven ceilings
that were so popular in the 1970s.
Your first goal is to buy a home that’s right for you, but consider its resale value before making your final decision, especially if you know you’ll be moving again in three to five years. A careful purchase now will help you obtain additional funds to move forward the next time you buy a home.
home inspections
Depending on the type of financing you choose, there should be 2 or 3 separate inspections on the home you want to buy.
The first should be your own basic inspection (see the bottom of this page for what to look for), the second should be a professional full-house inspection by someone you trust. If you select a government loan (FHA or VA), the third inspection must take place at the time of appraisal, which is to some extent a “mini-inspection.” However, don’t rely on this appraisal as your only property inspection!
We cannot stress enough the value and necessity of a thorough home inspection. Many homebuyers, either out of a desire to save the $250 to $500 a good inspection costs, or out of sheer ignorance, have spent huge sums of money repairing items that any good home inspector would have pointed out.
Any purchase offer you make must be contingent upon (subject to) a full home inspection with a satisfactory report. Don’t let anyone, not the agent, not your family or friends, and especially the seller, talk you out of having the property thoroughly inspected!
Not only will you sleep much more soundly after you move in, but a professional inspection can give you a way out of a defective home contract. If the contract is contingent on an acceptable inspection, any defects in the home must be repaired or compensated monetarily.
If you are not satisfied, you have the option to cancel the contract.
