For a long time now, you have been dreaming about owning your own home, and you’ve always known exactly what you want. However, now that the time has come to get one, the decisions have started to overwhelm you, and there are certain things you’re no longer sure about, like what to look for when buying a new house.
Wouldn’t an open plan be so much better than a separate kitchen? You’ve always thought about having a two-bed home, but considering you may have kids, maybe a three-bed would be ideal.
Truth be told, most first-time homebuyers have so many decisions to make, especially about what features to prioritize and which ones to compromise one, especially if they’re purchasing a home on a budget.
So what are the most important features to look for in a home? Well, in this post, we’ll guide you through what to look for when buying a new house, the best features in a new home and help you make a wise decision.
What to Look For When Buying a New House
As a first time home buyer, you’ve come to discover that shopping for a new home is an overwhelming experience. It’s possibly going to be one of the most expensive investments you make in your life, and given that it’s a long term commitment, you definitely don’t want to make mistakes.
While choosing a home is a personal decision, and only you can decide which features are deal-breakers or not, there are certain features that are simply a must-have. Let’s take a closer look at these features and why they’re important.
1. A Laundry Room
You never really know how much you need a laundry room until you fill up your guest bedroom with laundry that needs to be folded and put away. A laundry room is the most sought after feature by most home buyers so they can have a separate room to fold, iron clothes, and keep the mess in a hidden place.
Doing laundry gets so much easier when you have a designated area to store all your detergents and sort out your hampers. A laundry room is a convenient feature to have in a home because the noise of the appliances will not inconvenience others.
Do you see the perks of having a laundry room? If you do, it should be on the list of what to look for when buying a house.
2. Energy Efficiency
As a first time home buyer, you may be looking for a way to limit your utility bills. One of the best ways to do this is by looking for a home with energy efficiency when it comes to the windows and appliances available. Most homebuyers want energy-efficient options that don’t limit their comfort but still save money at the same time.
If this is you, then look for energy-efficient windows that minimize heating and cooling costs. Energy-efficient windows come with an invisible glass coating, sturdy weather stripping, as well as high-quality frame materials, all of which reduce heat loss or gain. While looking at the appliances, ensure they are Energy Star rated so you can save even more on energy bills.
3. A Patio
How many times have you watched Backyard Envy or Yard Attack and envied what you saw? You’re not alone in this, and most home buyers are now looking for a patio when shopping for a new home. More and more people are looking to spend more time outdoors, and a patio is the one place they can do that.
A patio is a great entertainment place when you want to have friends over for a barbecue or host an outdoor dinner with the family. Check out these home buyers to see more on this.
4. Garage Storage Space
If you have a growing family, then one thing you should look for is plenty of garage storage space, and not just in the garage. However, garage space comes in handy because you can use it to organize your stuff and keep clutter away from the living areas.
The space needs to be easily accessible, and a garage is ideal because it’s attached to the house and just a few steps away. You can have space to organize and store your tools, bicycles, patio chairs, boxes, and anything else you deem fit.
5. Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are not just appealing, but practical as well, especially for people who have pets. Hardwood floors contribute to the decor and design of a home. Even better, they add value to a home, given the appearance and durability.
Hardwood floors are also easy to maintain compared to carpets, or most other floor types, such as tiles, and you can refinish your floor after a few years to give it a new shine. If you’re buying your new home on a budget, then you can go for engineered wood flooring, which is cheaper, but just as good looking.
6. An Eat-In Kitchen
Eat-in kitchens have grown in popularity, and they have been more of a must-have for second-time home buyers than first. However, this is an excellent feature to have, especially if you have young children or a young family. This is the ideal meeting place where you can all gather and talk as you prepare your meals and give each other highlights of your day.
It’s also easier to clean up messes in one place as you do dishes and clean the kitchen instead of having to do it in the dining or living areas. An open floor concept is also great if you don’t feel this option or don’t want a separate dining area.
7. A Walk-in Closet
Walk-in closets are also gaining popularity, and you may not think it’s a must-have now, but you’ll soon realize it was a good decision. Having a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, you’ll have the flexibility of storing all your clothes and personal belongings in one place. It’s just like having a walk-in pantry, which is convenient, especially for a growing family that needs plenty of storage.
Must-Have House Features: The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there are so many features you may be looking for in your dream home, but having these will be a big plus. Now you have an idea of what to look for when buying a new house and even though this list is quite limited, it covers what you might need.
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