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Getting swept up in the excitement and journey of buying a home is a normal thing, but getting too carried away can leave you overlooking some important home features. Keeping in mind the most overlooked things when buying a home will allow you to make a better home buying decision and will leave you feeling prepared for the future.
1. Parking Situation
Because there can be many different places to park, make sure you know where you might be parking your car if you purchase the home. Does street-parking suit your needs, or do you absolutely require a garage? If the home comes with a garage, make sure to consider the size of it. Will it comfortably fit all your required vehicles and other items? It’s best to measure the size of the garage (and your car) and be aware of where you can and can’t park before you buy the home.
2. Homeowners Association
Many beautiful neighborhoods in the Kansas City Metro area have a Homeowners Association (HOA). The idea behind an HOA is to aid in the maintaining of property values, which may even include things like beautification. It’s important to know if the home is part of an HOA. An HOA has set policies and rules for every property that the homeowner must follow. Policies could be anything from keeping a nicely trimmed lawn and having at least two trees in the yard to prohibited parking on the street and specific pet regulations. Make sure to check with the sellers if there is an HOA and what their policies include before buying that dream house.
3. The Neighborhood
Finding that perfect home can be a dream, but you may want to ensure the neighborhood and the community fits your needs and wants. Multiple visits to the neighborhood at different times can give you a better idea of what the area is normally like. This can also supply you with valuable information and show you a glimpse of your life as part of the neighborhood. It’s also a good idea to ask current residents about the area and perhaps learn more about it’s pros and cons.
4. Maintenance Issues
It’s usually recommended to ask the seller of the home about any continuing issues the home has. Maybe there’s a slow leaky faucet or perhaps the water heater occasionally stops working.
Although maintenance issues can seem small at first, some issues can lead to bigger problems. Understanding these issues and fixing small things quickly will save you time and money in the long run. Being aware of any continued maintenance issues can give you some peace of mind and better prepare you when you move into the home.
5. Cost of Utilities
When looking at a home, it’s important to ask about the average cost of utilities. You may be familiar with utilities and the costs of each, but a home’s utility costs can widely range based on a number of things.
Knowing the average cost of utilities will better allow you to save up for the home and be able to afford it. You may also be able to find the source of high utility costs, think old windows and poor insulation, which can be quickly fixed. If costs are lower than you were anticipating, that’s great! But if costs are higher than you planned, think about upgrading high energy sources with something more energy efficient, which will save you money.
6. Weather Conditions
The normal weather conditions in a home’s area is something that anyone can easily forget. But it’s important to learn about the normal weather conditions so you know what to expect. By asking the seller, your real estate agent, and the current residents of the area, you’ll gain some insight as to the normal area weather. Knowing beforehand that the area is prone to flooding or has harsh winters allows you to set aside some money for weather expenses.
Understanding the weather conditions will also give you the chance to figure how much the utilities may cost. These common aspects of a home can easily be overlooked, but with a great real estate agent, you’ll be fully prepared and know everything there is to know about that perfect home. Our agents are local experts in their areas and will make sure to disclose all potential home issues so you can make the best home buying decision.
