What makes one house different from the other? Is it the price? Is it the location? Is it the neighbors? There are many factors to consider when one goes out looking for a new house. House hunting can be fun but it can be depressing if you are careless for the process itself can downright confuse you if you will not do your work.
The right home for many people is one of the greatest achievements of their lives. An individual knows what he needs. Taking notes of what you want and what you want to avoid is a good start. Looking at the local market is an excellent starting for most people. Just remember caution is your ally here. Don’t rush into making a decision by anyone. Consider the following tips:
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Investment purposes . Will the value of the house grow as the surroundings change? Would the house require a high degree of maintenance? Does it have the possibility of improvements for your future needs? Is the house very accessible to nearby towns or other facilities?
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Position and Location. One has to consider how the house may physically look like and how one envisions their house to be. Do you see yourself buying a house with a view? Does this mean that you would have to buy a larger piece of land to achieve this? Do you fancy neighbors being in close proximity to you or not? Are you one who is very choosy about his or her privacy? You should consider these small details for they can be an issue later on.
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Family lifestyle. Will commuting between your future house and your kids school or spouses office be a problem? Would your family be isolated in the area or close to other subdivisions? Would your family have to travel far just to meet relatives or relax with friends? The house location may suit you but it could affect the schedules of family members.
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Access and Parking . Would it be easy or hard for you to park your vehicle? For some homes which are in close proximity to each other, some parking spaces are limited while there may be areas to park, are they safe? Are there fees involved? Are they ideal and accessible to all family members? Do you have to walk far from your home to your vehicle?
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Aspect and Block . Is your home facing the right direction to capture the most heat in Winter? Houses that face North and North East are the best ones to choose for they have better energy efficiency. Is the house on a slope or positioned near sloping areas? Will children and any playground in the block not be have problems?
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Special Features. Does the house have a unique design that makes it stand out among the rest? This point often makes the value of the house higher. Are there any outstanding physical features of the house itself like its interiors or its view that makes it appealing?
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Renovation/Redecoration. Almost all homes might need to be redecorated or repaired. One has to consider the added cost they will pay aside from the value of the house itself. You have to consider if you are willing to do any repairs/redecorations yourself or find a house that closely resembles what you are looking for.
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Be cautious . Preparation and knowing what you want are one the important things you must have when house hunting. Take the time to inspect the house and surroundings. Don’t believe everything the selling agent says. Do make inquires on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because if you decide to buy the house, you need to know what defects or good points the property has.
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Who is buying the property? Encourage your spouse and family to contribute their ideas. They may bring up a point or two you may have overlooked. It also gives the impression that you are a serious buyer if both of you show up for house viewing and you may be able to get a good offer on the spot itself.
Always remember that it is you and your spouse that make the final decision on house hunting. Avoid taking people like your co-workers or gym buddies with you and relying on their opinions for they will have their own point of view which may differ from yours. Bring someone who you know has a stake in choosing a house as much as you do. With these small tips to guide you, remember not to feel rushed and take your time, it’s going to be your house after all.
Billy Chen
billy@billychen71.com
Tel: (+65) 88689999
Fax: (+65) 64021826
