Must-Have Home Features: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide
Shopping for a new home can be thrilling, but it’s no secret that there’s a lot of pressure riding on this decision. Whatever property you pick out will become your home, whether it’s only for a few years or a lifetime! Make sure you take the time to feel confident about your choice and that it fits your needs.
These are the top features to look for when you’re in the market for a house. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to find your dream home.
Energy-Efficient Homes Save You Money
Energy bills have skyrocketed in the last few years and can be significantly lowered if you move into a more energy-efficient property. When looking for a new home, search for details like updated windows, continuous insulation, and well-sealed doors. The better the house is sealed against the elements, the better it will handle the temperature fluctuations as they come your way.
Also, energy-efficient furnaces, smart technology that can adjust indoor temperature and lighting, and insulated window coverings can go a long way in reducing your energy bill each month.
If you fall in love with a home that doesn’t have these updates, try to keep in mind how much room you’ll need in your budget to do home updates. No home is perfect and you can always make improvements over time.
Amenities That Match Your Needs
Every neighborhood will have different amenities. From pools to shared workout spaces and walking trails, you’ll be able to pick from the things that matter the most to you. Keep in mind that neighborhoods with many amenities also have an HOA. This can add anywhere from $20 to $500 to your monthly expenses, depending on the type of housing and the city.
If you’re planning on having children soon, it’s also a good idea to decide which amenities will make raising your kids more enjoyable. Nearby parks and playgrounds, neighborhood swimming pools and recreation centers, and social opportunities are all important considerations when selecting a home..
Strength Against the Elements
The weather has been growing more unpredictable in recent years so you need a safe home that can handle whatever’s thrown at it. Looking for a property that can handle wind, storms, and extreme heat and cold are important aspects to consider when purchasing a home.
Research the common problems that impact homes in Colorado. A home with fire-resistant roofing can help in case of a spreading wildfire, and making sure insulation is adequate along with weather stripping is key in keeping the cold air outside.
Schools and Walkable Areas for Families
Setting up a 10-year plan is important for any move, so if you have kids or you’re planning on having kids soon, it’s important to prepare your move with them in mind. Aiming for neighborhoods that feature good schools and better yet, a house in close proximity to those schools are often important criteria when you narrow down your home choices.
A Home’s Exterior Sets the Mood
Everyone wants a house they’re excited to come home to! Even if the house isn’t an instant knockout, it should have enough visual interest that you can work with it. Consider what exterior materials you want, like synthetic stucco or a specific style like Southwestern or Cape Cod.
Even if the exterior isn’t perfect right now, your home’s curb appeal is one of the most affordable parts of your home you can update. From cutting grass and augmenting the landscaping to repainting a porch or replacing a mailbox, as long as the home itself is in good condition, you can make changes to keep the property looking sharp.
Distance to Work or Family
How far from family and work is the house you’re considering? Nationwide, the average commute is 27 minutes one-way. If you’re taking public transit, this could double! Keep in mind if you buy a house far from your place of work, you could be spending over an hour just going to and from work.
Location is extremely important to ensure a high quality of life. If you don’t like your job or think you might change it within the next couple of years, consider getting a house somewhere closer to an area where you can find a better job.
Construction You Can Trust
The construction of the homes truly matters. Was it built around insulated concrete forms? How old is the house? Although you’ll eventually get an inspection that will tell you whether or not the home you pick is the right choice, you can save yourself a lot of heartache by looking out for signs of problems.
Some issues, like broken tiles, can be explained away, especially if it was installed decades ago. However, if you see problems like uneven wood floorboards, large cracks that go from ceiling to floor, doors that don’t seem to open or close correctly, windows that seem to be doing the same, and outlets that randomly don’t work, consider another home or at least invest in a structural engineer who can provide insight into the issues.
Your Next Home Should be Paradise
Whether this is your first house or fifth, your next home should be a dream come true. Keep an eye out for these features to ensure your next house is everything you want.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Sam Willis, a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisors, a new construction industry resource launching in Fall 2022.
