Three Unexpected Things You Should Consider When Buying Your First Home
While looking through homes available on the market can be exciting as you get ready to take that first step, letting the excitement get the better of you can mean you are left with unforeseen downsides to your long-term decision. Free Guide
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Unexpected Things You Don't Want to Forget When Buying Your First Home
- The Driveway and Traffic. A house with a steep driveway or a heavily trafficked road may seem inconvenient. However, if you are buying a home with your spouse and anticipate having a family shortly, you may find that this minor downside becomes a much more significant obstacle. Wobbly toddlers and hasty elementary-age children may have difficulty navigating a steep driveway. In addition, a busy road or steep driveway means you may have to pack up and head to a local park for a quick ride on bikes or scooters.
- Fireplace Upkeep. There are few things more picturesque than a new hearth and home. SupposeBut, if you dream of hanging stockings on a mantle for the holidays or lighting a fire as winter's chill comes near. In that case, getting lost in the romanticism of having a fireplace can be accessible without considering the maintenance and upkeep required. If cleaning out your chimney and performing inspections for nesting critters each year seems daunting, it may be a feature better off your list.
- Cost of Updates. Updates can mean many things in a home, from a full remodel to a new wall color. Therefore, it is essential to understand what a desired update means in terms of time and financial investment. A first home is ideally a place that can grow with you and that you can make your own as you live in it over the years. That said, buyers can often be deterred by minor obstacles, so imagine how the living room will look without that bright orange paint. Nevertheless, some updates are worth planning to take on; be conscientious of your time, skill set, and finances before going too deep.
Getting lost in the details can be easy when looking for your first home, and you will likely have to compromise on some outstanding features. Fully understanding your future goals, current lifestyle, and budget will be imperative to ensure you don't miss any unexpected considerations before it's too late.
This post has been authored by Eric Slifkin, REALTOR serving South Florida's Treasure Coast. You can reach me at 772-678-1600. As your resource for information on new or resale homes throughout the Treasure Coast, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find on the Web, yard sign, or ad and I will research the property, arrange showings and handle all the details.