While you don't expect to find your dream home in a starter home, you also don't want to get a raw deal when shopping for your first home. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are searching for property for sale.
Affordability
A good starter home should be affordable. That is the whole point of buying a starter home in the first place; you can't afford a forever home at the moment. Come up with a budget for how much you have and how much you are willing to spend on the home. Give your agent your budget so that you don't waste time with homes that you won't be buying.
Minimal Features
Starter homes tend to be minimalists. They don't have big yards, don't have top-of-the-range appliances, and don't have the best architectural designs in the country. This is all good because you don't plan to live in the house forever. Don't set your sights on properties with the best features around; you will only be setting yourself up for failure.
Ease of Maintenance
Many people don't have a lot of money when buying starter homes. If you are in such a situation, then you also don't want to spend a lot of money in maintaining the house. This means you should buy a home that is constructed to be durable and easy to maintain. For example, wood shingles are more maintenance-intensive than asphalt shingles, so an asphalt shingle roof is better for a starter home.
Resale Prospects
If you are in the market for a starter home, it means you plan to move on to a better home somewhere down the line. Many people sell their starter homes and use the proceeds towards the purchase of forever homes. That means your starter home should be easy to sell when the time comes for you to upgrade to a better home; thus, your starter home should have a good resale value. Proper maintenance, location desirability, and affordability are some of the factors that influence property resale values.
Good Location
Many people buy their starter homes in the early stages of their careers. At the same time, the location has a big influence on early career growth. The local economy, availability of jobs, and educational opportunities are some of the location-dependent factors that affect career growth. Therefore, look for a good location where you can commute to work with ease but still enjoy the factors that can help you build your career.
