
When looking to buy your first home, you will want to make sure you get the best deal you can. This does not just mean getting the house at the right price, but also takes into consideration what you need to pay out after the event, when you are unlikely to have much in the way of disposable income.
To avoid some hard-learned lessons, you should write yourself a short checklist about key areas of the property, so you can ensure that you limit the number of unwelcome surprises in store once you move in.
#1 Kitchen and Bathroom
These are typically the most expensive parts of the home to remodel, so you need to ensure what you are buying at least has a serviceable kitchen and bathroom. Of course, you’ll want to put your stamp on the property, but you don’t want to have to do it straight away because you can’t cook food or have a bath.
#2 The Heating System
You need to ensure the heating or AC system is working and has been recently serviced. This is another expensive thing to repair or replace, and the last thing you want is to have it break down when you are short of funds or moving in with a baby or young child to look after.
#3 Off-Road Parking
This might not have been at the top of your list but is crucial for both your peace of mind and your pocket. If you live on a busy street and don’t have a driveway, you could end up parking several streets away. This not only leaves your vehicle more susceptible to break-ins, but it can also mean you have to walk the distance to your home alone, and possibly in the dark.
#4 Removal of Unwanted Goods
You need to also enquire with the real estate agent, especially if you are moving into a vacant property, what is happening about all of the things the previous owner has left behind. You would be shocked by the cost of having them removed and taken to the dump, and even if you can remove them yourself, it is still time and effort you could be using elsewhere.
#5 Cost of Insurance
With much of the focus on utility bills, it is easy to let something as important as insurance go under the radar. To find out the cost to insure your new home and make sure you get the best deals, you should contact a reliable broker, like kbdinsurance.com. Saving money and getting the best cover is vitally important when you buy your first home, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to concentrate on getting settled in.
To Wrap Things Up
Buying your first home can be really exciting, but you need to remember that you will have enough on your plate, without giving yourself more to do. For this reason, you need to make sure that the kitchen and bathrooms are usable, and that the heating system will at least get you through next winter. You need to ensure packing won’t be an issue, and you won’t end up with a garage full of the previous owner's unwanted items. The final step is to find the insurance cost, so you know the biggest purchase of your life so far is covered.