Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned homebuyer, the house hunting process can be overwhelming. With so many listings on the market, it’s often difficult to know where to begin looking for your ideal property. This is why it’s important to determine your priorities before attending any showings. Doing so will help narrow down your search, saving you time and ensuring you end up satisfied with your purchase. Here are a few details to focus on when shopping for a new home.

A Checklist to Keep in Mind While House Hunting 

1. Location 

The top factor to take into account when house hunting is the location. Your neighborhood will have a great impact on your lifestyle, so you want to ensure it’s a good fit. Thus, it’s vital to research crime rates, the proximity of amenities and entertainment, nearby transportation options, and how far of a commute you’ll have to work. Also, determine if you’d prefer having more privacy in a rural area or being part of the action in the city.

2. Schools

If you have children or you’re planning to grow your family in the future, it’s essential to make sure you live in a desirable school district. This will affect the quality of their education and any extracurricular activities or programs they participate in. Overall, you’ll want to consider where your child will have the best opportunity to thrive. You should also find out if a property is on a bus route or if you will need to drive your kids to school.

3. Age of the Home

While older houses can have many appealing characteristics, they frequently require more repairs and upgrades than newer construction homes. This can increase your homeownership budget significantly. As such, you want to be sure to ask your agent when the home was built and what kind of condition the main systems are in, including the electricity, plumbing, and HVAC. Also, inquire about any renovations and major repairs that have been done to ensure the property is up to code.

4. Visible Flaws

Any time you’re attending a showing, it’s important to look for problems around the property. Although a professional home inspection is typically necessary to learn if a home has considerable damage, you can often tell how well it’s been maintained by looking for surface flaws. This includes water stains on the ceilings and walls, peeling paint, uneven flooring, broken windows, and cracked siding.

If you’re ready to turn your dreams of homeownership into a reality, reach out to The Justice Group for expert support and guidance on your house hunting journey. This team of real estate agents has plenty of knowledge of the local market and will help you find a property that meets all your unique needs. Offering nearly 20 years of industry experience, they’ve worked with countless buyers to successfully purchase homes across Guilford County, NC. Call (336) 324-5716 to set up an appointment or visit them online to browse current listings.