Published August 16, 2023

Things to Consider for When Buying a Home

Written by The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway

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When starting to think about buying a home, its easy to create a list of things that are important like how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. It’s also easy to overlook some aspects since you aren’t living in the house you are viewing as a potential home. Here are some things we encourage our clients to consider when they start viewing homes.

Location: Consider the location of the property, including the neighborhood, proximity to schools, shopping, and transportation. Is it a quiet street or a busy thoroughfare? Do the schools in the area provide busing for children? What transportation options are available in that area?
Floor Plan: Take note of the floor plan and flow of the home. Are the rooms well-proportioned and functional? Is there enough storage space? Are there any issues with the layout, such as awkward spaces or poor flow? Take time to imagine each room you want to fill and how you will use it. Can you see your belongings fitting into that floor plan? If you love a gourmet kitchen for entertaining, you might want to exclude houses with galley kitchens for example.
Condition of the Property: How well has the property been maintained? What does the condition look like for the walls, ceilings, flooring, and appliances? Are there any signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint or stained carpet? Are there any obvious repair needs, such as leaky faucets or broken windows? Do you have the funds or know-how to fix the issues you see that are real problems that you can’t live with?
Natural Light: Look at the natural light in each room. Are there enough windows to provide ample light and fresh air? Are there any obstructions that could block the light or limit your views? Is there too much natural light? For example, if the living room feels 10 degrees hotter than the rest of the house because the big bay window has direct sunlight for several hours of the day, will that be an issue for you if you don’t want to keep the shades drawn.
Electrical and Plumbing: Are there enough outlets and light fixtures in each room? Are there enough bathrooms and sinks for how you envision using your home. Older homes typically have a lot less outlets than newer homes built in the 90s and newer.
Exterior: Take a look at the roof, siding, and landscaping. Are there any visible signs of wear and tear or damage? Are there any potential issues, such as a slope that could lead to water damage? How will you use the outside of the home? If it has a small backyard and you dream of holding large parties outside, that might be a problem.
Amenities: Consider the amenities of the property, including the size and condition of the yard, the garage or parking situation, and any community amenities, such as a pool or playground. Are they up to your standards and needs?

Consider making a list of the things that are most important to you for your next home and as you look at houses, check off how they match your list. It will save you a lot of time by helping you to zero in on the homes that really match your wants and needs.

If you're thinking about buying and would like a no-obligation consult to see how we can serve you, contact The Norman Home Team at 443.489.5225! Visit our website for information on all the services we provide We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your goals