A few things in life will match buying your first house in terms of scariness. It’s a huge life-changing decision that’s right up there with getting married, having kids, and buying a new car. It’s usually quite a stressful time for anyone, whether they are old or young, a first-time buyer, or a fifth-time buyer. It’s never easy.
There’s so much to think about; there’s so much to do! It’s so hard to decide! Do you want to live in a quiet area, or somewhere busier that’s closer to conveniences? How long is it going to take my partner and me to commute to work? Is there a McDonald’s nearby? And other vital questions. Okay, maybe that last one wasn’t important. Or perhaps it was the most important?
Anyway, moving swiftly on; in this mind-blowing time during every adult’s life, there are bound to be things that we forget about in the chaos. Usually, these will be small, annoying things, and the situation will play out a little like this: “oops, I forgot to buy plates. It looks like we’re going to Walmart!” But sometimes quite important things do get forgotten about, slips of the mind that can’t be remedied with a last-minute trip to Walmart.
After you’ve spent literal months finding the perfect house in the ideal place (right next to McDonald’s,) then begins the arduous task of moving in. That’s where the fun REALLY starts. Only after three days of unpacking things that you’ll never touch again in your life until it’s time to throw them away, can you finally begin to relax and enjoy your new home.
There’s no going back now. But did you remember everything?
Home Insurance
Often, and usually regrettably, forgotten about; If there is one thing in your life that you should probably insure, it’s your house. It’s the most expensive thing you’ll ever own, and pretty much everything in your life is contained within it.
It’s a no-brainer because the risk involved in incurring bills for damage along the lines of fire damage or structural failure is enormous. These kinds of repairs can cost thousands, if not tens of thousands, to repair properly. Experts at BrokerLink insurance state you should get a plan that fits and protects what's important.
Structural Issues
Not all buildings are created equally, and unfortunately, some are not as well built as others. However, even with well-built houses, age can take its toll on structural integrity. If you’re not too well-read on issues of building structure yourself, you will do well to get a survey done on a house before you commit to buying it.
There are few things as important as this when it comes to buying real estate, as it’s a huge safety issue and also a potentially extremely pricey one too.
Doing Your Homework on the Neighborhood
The problem with neighborhoods is that sometimes they aren’t always what they seem. Think of the poisoned chalice, or “good from afar, but far from good.” You get the picture. The point is, there is a lot to consider about a neighborhood that won’t necessarily be obvious on the surface.
You might want to check the crime rates in any potential locations that catch your eye and consider checking out the quality of the local police force. This is especially important if you or someone you live with is vulnerable.
Noise Pollution
This is a huge and understated factor involved with homeownership. The location of a house is crucial in determining the noise levels. You should do your homework on this because you do not want to be woken by a train horn at 2 AM!
Are there any train lines, airports, bus stations, industrial buildings, schools or play areas close by? If so, there’s a high chance that they’re going to cause significant noise issues. Another thing to consider is the proximity of intersections and wide roads, as they too are big noise polluters.
Final Thoughts
When buying a house, it's essential to list down all of the things that will make you happy alongside the vitals. Try not to get caught up in the excitement of moving and forget the big stuff because once you've bought the house, these factors could have a significant impact on how quickly you will want to sell it again, as well as the value of your property as a whole.
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