Buying your first home can be an exciting experience, and it’s important to go about it the right way. Doing so will ensure that you get a space that you love and give you the best value for your hard-earned cash. This is because buying a house is a great way for you to build wealth and improve your finances. Read on to see five of the things that you need to look for when you’re buying your first home on a budget.
1. Noise Levels
It’s important for you to make sure that you’re comfortable with the noise levels in the house that you buy. This may be determined by proximity to major roads, whether the property is a townhome or a condo, and whether there are any airports or railroad tracks nearby. Finding out about these details can save you from a surprise when you buy the home because you may have viewed it at a time when it was silent. These factors may also dictate the safety levels in the neighborhood, important if you have kids or plan on getting them in the future. You can save yourself and your family from getting involved in a personal injury case, with 90% to 95% of these cases being settled before they make it to trial.
2. The Outlets and Appliances
The home that you buy should have outlets and appliances that all work, otherwise this will be an additional expense for you. It’s also a potential safety risk, so you have to make sure while looking at the house that you want to buy that the appliances are in good shape. From microwaves to fridges and dishwashers, you must ensure that if appliances are part of the deal that you’re getting from the purchase, they’re in great shape.
3. Water Damage
Water damage can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner, and with good reason. This is because, if left unchecked, it can cause extensive and expensive issues for your home. It will also expose you to health issues. You must make sure that the home you want to buy doesn’t have water damage. Check common spaces that can have water damage, such as the basement, the kitchen, and the bathrooms. Keep in mind that mold can start growing in a mere 24 to 48 hours after the occurrence of water damage. Make sure that there are no leaks and that the plumbing is in good shape.
4. The Condition of the Roof
The roof can be extremely expensive to fix or replace depending on the extent of the damage that it has.
That said, make sure that the house you want to buy has a solid roof over it. Find out the age of the roof and ask if the owner can show you a roof certification letter. If you still have concerns, it’s going to prove worth the time and money to get a roof inspection done.
5. The State of the Exterior
Finally, the state of the exterior of the home that you want to buy should be impeccable. The exterior includes the foundation, the driveway, and the yard. Keep in mind that between 2019 and 2020, privacy concerns led to a 166% increase in fencing. That said, if this is a crucial issue for you, check to see if there’s a fence and if it’s in good shape.
Keep these five things in mind when you go out to buy a home on a budget. Doing so is a good move for finance. It can also save you a future of regrets and uncertainty about the safety and comfort of your home.
