Top 5 Things to Look for in a New Home

You’re finally ready. You’ve spruced up your credit score, saved up all your extra cash for the down payment, and gotten pre-approved for a mortgage. Now it’s time to find that perfect home! It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and only focus on flooring and wall paint, but don’t forget about these five important factors.

5. Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Before you start looking, know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll realistically need. Then, only stick to viewing those properties that fill those minimum requirements. Extra bedrooms are always great for office space or storage, so don’t shy away from houses with a few extra. Too big, however, and you’ll be paying extra in utility bills. 

4. The Kitchen

Whether or not you love to cook, the kitchen is a key part of your home. Don’t be distracted by beautifully redone cupboards, but rather take a good look at the practical elements. Counter space, food storage, and appliances (if they are included). Kitchens can be redone, but renovations can get costly.

3. The Closets and Storage

Storage areas are probably the least glamorous part of a home, but they do have incredible value. Consider how much storage space you currently have. Is it enough? Could you make it work with a little less or a little more? Use that as a jumping-off point when viewing new homes. Adding storage space after the fact typically means using up living space. 

2. The Cost

As tempting as it may be, never fall into the trap of looking at a home you can’t afford. You could very well end up pining after houses way out of your price range, making the search for your perfect home a futile endeavour. When looking at homes, start at the lowest end of your price range and work your way up. You may be surprised at what you can find!

1. Location

The most important element of any home has nothing to do with the home itself, but rather the area it’s in. Almost anything else on this list can be adjusted, renovated, or negotiated, but the location is permanent. Consider the neighbourhood, it’s proximity to your work and schools, the crime rate in the area, and the direction the house faces. All of these will have a major impact on your experience in your chosen home, so do your research! Searching for a house is no doubt the most exciting part of the homebuying process. Follow these tips to narrow down your choices and find your next home. Once you’ve found “the one”, call the experts at Source Mortgage to help you get set up with a fair interest rate and tailored options. We can’t wait to work with you!