Important Things to Consider When Looking at Homes for Sale

1. August 30, 2017 Important Things to Consider When Looking at Homes for Sale Purchasing a house is a huge investment, and it’s easy to see how the whole process can sometimes be daunting for buyers, especially first-timers. Needless to say, one of the most crucial steps in this process is the actual house-viewing. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when viewing a house on the market. Knowing what to look out for will not only help you make an informed decision, but chances are it will make the experience less stressful as well. Page | 1

2. Is There Adequate Natural Lighting? If you view the house in the daytime, see if it gets sufficient sunlight or if it is still necessary to turn on the lights. It will also be helpful to determine which way the house faces, so you’ll know if certain areas get morning or afternoon sun. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, lighting amounts to 9% of electricity consumption in U.S. homes, while space heating makes up 7%. However, if a house gets a good amount of natural light, one won’t have to use artificial lights as much. In addition, natural light also helps heat up homes. This all translates to increased savings for the household, since less electricity will be used. Number, Size and Shape of the Rooms Houses can sometimes be spruced up with fancy décor and a new coat of paint to make them look more attractive to buyers. Try not to get too distracted by these things and focus instead on the actual layout of the house and its rooms. This is what you are really buying and it will far outlast the outer trimmings. Are there enough rooms to fit your needs? Furthermore, are they the right size and shape? Do they have enough doors and windows, and will they accommodate your furniture? Is the layout of the rooms convenient? Is There Sufficient Storage Space? An indispensable feature of any well-thought-out home is storage space. Are there enough closets and shelves for you to keep clothes, linens, books, crockery, and anything else that doesn’t need to be in plain sight? Is there room for you to put in additional cabinets and shelves if needed? What is the Neighborhood Like? It’s a good idea to take a look around the neighborhood and see where the nearest schools, hospitals, stores and banks are located. You can even visit the area at different times (during a weekday, and again over the weekend, for example) to get a better feel for the place. Is it a busy or a quiet area? What are the neighbors like? These are just some of the more essential things to look out for when viewing homes for sale. You might want to prepare a list of your own beforehand, including other points that are important to you, as well as any questions you may want to ask the seller. Being prepared will give you more confidence and help you get more out of your next house-viewing experience. Page | 2

3. About Buyer’s Choice Realty: Buyer’s Choice Realty is an exclusive buyer agency that has been serving people in the Boston area since 1990. We prioritize the needs of home buyers, and help them find the house of their dreams. We assist them throughout the entire process --- from locating, to evaluating and finally negotiating a successful home purchase. Sources: “Buying a home: House-viewing checklist”, which.co.uk “The House Hunt”, Property Toolbox Page | 3