8 Things To Consider When Choosing Your Home

I read recently in our local property magazine some details that are commonly overlooked by home buyers. At least half of these we overlooked when we chose our home, although we probably would have moved here anyway.

1. Easements

An easement is the right for a third party to use your property in a particular way, like neighbours having the right to use your road or certain rights granted to local council. Easements can affect the resale value of your home – make sure you find out if there are any before buying a property.

2. Mobile and Broadband Coverage

You don’t want to be moving in only to find that you are in a mobile phone black spot or there is no broadband access. Check these things out before moving in.

3. Neighbours

Your neighbours’ activities can have a huge affect on your peace of mind at home. If you don’t want to be living near barking dogs, messy front yards, teenage loud parties then drive by the house at different times of the day and week to assess whether the neighbours’ lifestyle suits your lifestyle.

4. Traffic

Just after we moved in to our place, they opened a major linking highway just up the road. Our road is now a major road and the traffic noise really gets to us. We’re also on the main road to our the major shopping centre.

Check whether the traffic levels change at certain times of the day and whether its going to be a hassle for you. Also consider amenities around you like a public beach or shopping centre, and whether traffic will increase on weekends with people on their way to these places.

5. Power points

This seems like a minor issue, but too few power points won’t cope with the amount of modern day appliances, and power points positioned poorly can make arranging the furniture limited. You may have to factor an electrician’s bill into your budget if you need more power points.

6. Amenities

Do you need to be able to walk to the train station or have access to a bus stop? Do you prefer to be able to walk to the shops? Do you want to be close to parks or other amenities? The amenities around your prospective house can be an important consideration when deciding to buy.

7. Budget for home buying costs

Don’t forget all the other costs of buying a house. Building and pest inspection, conveyancing, legal fees, and moving costs as well as possibly mortgage insurance and stamp duty depending on your situation. These extra costs can add thousands to buying a new home. Be sure to factor them into your budget.

9. School zoning.

Thinking of having kids? Have an idea what school you want them to go to. Check that your house is in the school zone that you imagine sending your kids to. The quality of the schools in your area can also affect the resale value of your home.

 

One detail that I would probably add, is checking out the body corporate bi-laws and their ethos. Do you have neighbours in the body corp who feel they can control every aspect of your life? Are you allowed to have pets? Kids? What kind of process do you have to go through to do any renovations in your home? The body corporate can have a huge affect on the choices you can make as far as making your house your home. 

What other tips do you have to look out for when buying a house?

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3. Buying a Home in Australia
4. natural ant control in the home
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