When you bought your first home, you were pretty much going in blind. It was something you had no personal experience in, and, although you may have used a REALTOR®, there were likely certain things you just didn’t know to ask before signing on the dotted line.
But now you’re a seasoned homeowner ready to sell your starter home and find something that fits your needs a little better this time around. With that being said, there are factors you probably wish you had considered before buying your last house. So what questions should you consider or ask your REALTOR® as you prepare to buy your next home?
What are the current monthly utility costs?
When you’re looking to buy your next house, that often means a bigger home (or maybe a home with a pool or other amenities you don't currently have). More square footage and features (like a pool) also mean larger utility bills than you’re accustomed to. Asking what the current homeowners pay for their utilities will give you insight into how much you can expect to pay, and will allow you to check these new expenses against your monthly budget.
Have there ever been issues with the plumbing, roof, or A/C, and when was the last time they were replaced?
A few weeks ago we talked about three things you should worry about when selling your home in Central Florida, which were the plumbing, roof, and A/C. Depending on the age of the home you are looking to purchase, these three things are often the biggest things you should have checked out when having the home inspected.
Do the appliances include warranties, and will I receive the documentation?
If the home you are buying has newer appliances that are still under warranty, you’ll want to ask for the paperwork and other documents just in case something breaks and you need to call in a repair or a replacement.
Will I be able to park my car in the garage?
This may sound like a funny question to ask, but I recently heard a story from a friend that witnessed their new neighbors try to park their car in the garage of the home they just purchased only to find out their car was too large for the space. If parking in the garage is something you definitely want to do, make sure it’s possible first!
Where is the laundry room located?
If you’re the one that does the laundry in your family, you know all too well that the location of the laundry room is important. Not many people want to haul laundry up and down stairs (if it’s a two story home) or out into a garage if the laundry room is not an actual room in the house.
Do I really want a two-story home, or would a single story offer me what I need?
Sometimes the idea of a two-story home with gorgeous shutters and a white picket fence is what you picture in your head as your “dream home”, but is two stories ideal for you and your current (or future) living situations? Have little kids? Two stories may offer you added space, but may not be as safe as you’d like, or as quiet for that matter (think lots of little feet running up and down the stairs all day long). Heading into the “best years” of your life? Having two stories, especially a master bedroom on a second story, may not bode well for your knees.
Is there enough storage?
This can sometimes be one of the most thought about factors when searching for a new home, but forgotten about once you stumble upon the one you think is “the one”. I’ve oftentimes heard potential homeowners say, “Oh, this closet isn’t that small,” or, “Well, I think there are just as many cabinets as my current kitchen." If you’re purchasing your next home, especially to upgrade from your first home, don’t forget about details like this.
The last home you purchased was your starter home, and this next home could possibly be your “forever home”... That is, as long as you consider these factors when searching for your dream home in Central Florida.
