As a first-time home buyer, you may be looking for a smaller, more affordable home to buy that you can potentially sell later when your needs change. Making this first home purchase can be both exciting and stressful, which is why it's important to make sure that your new home has the features you need. Here are some options to look for as you begin house hunting.
Updated Kitchen And Bathroom
Your kitchen and your bathroom are important spaces in your home, and you want to make sure that both are as beautiful as they are functional. Because bath and kitchen remodeling projects can be invasive, time-consuming endeavors, it's a good idea to look for a home that already has the kitchen and bathroom you want. If you see a home you like that has an updated kitchen and new appliances, don't hesitate to ask the seller if the appliances are included in the purchase. In some cases, you may be able to strike a deal and get some great new appliances with your new home.
Flexible Spaces
While you might not need a child's nursery or bedroom right away, you should look for a home that has some flexible spaces. As you r life changes, these spaces can be changed to reflect your current needs. A three-bedroom home today may give you options for a guest bedroom and home office, and in a few years those extra rooms might be used for children's rooms, a library, or a crafting room. Look for homes with finished basements or extra bedrooms so you can enjoy these flexible spaces.
Energy-Efficient Design
Owning your own home means having to pay for all of your utilities, and that's something you might not have had to do as a renter. Homes with energy-efficient features can help to keep those utility costs down every month. Look for homes with new windows that are Energy Star-rated. Rated windows can reduce the amount of heat gained in the summer and lost in the winter. Some homes may also have solar panels, which means you can enjoy overall savings on your electric bill by producing your own energy. As your real estate agent about the energy efficiency of each home, and use that information to help you determine which house is right for you.
Looking for your first new home can be a lot of fun, and you can feel more confident about your purchase once you've weighed all the potential features before making your final decision. Use this guide to help you as you search for your starter home.