Are you planning to move into a new home? You probably only have an idea of what you want but no clue of the location, cost, or even the type of home you need. It pays to research, check out different properties, and ensure all your needs are met.
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The decision is more critical when you have other family members such as school-going children or elderly parents to take care of. Here are six crucial things you should do when moving into a new home:
1 – Choose the Right Location for Your New Home
An ideal location factors your work, school, and other errands you frequently run. It should also be in a peaceful neighborhood with all the amenities you need, such as a hospital, shopping mall, and a park. If you have kids, you might want to consider moving into a home closer to their school to avoid long commutes.
The good thing is that you can check ideal locations from the comfort of your home. For instance, you can browse Victory Park apartments online (or other housing options near you!). Find a property conveniently near schools, hospitals, and other social amenities. Go an extra step to physically visit the location to get a feel of the neighborhood and people.
2 – Make Sure Your New Home Is the Right Size
The size depends on the number of family members and the amount of stuff you own. If you have many items, go for a bigger home with enough storage space. On the other hand, a smaller space is ideal when you have limited belongings and family members.
It’s advisable to get a bit more than what you need to avoid feeling cramped up. For example, if you have two kids, go for a four-bedroom apartment. The additional room can act as a play area or a study room. Factor your future needs as well. Do you plan to get more kids, work from home, or have regular visitors?
3 – Set the Right Budget
The cost of your new home depends on various factors, such as the size, location, and amenities. It would help if you had a realistic budget to avoid overstretching your finances. Once you have a budget, look for a home that matches the amount.
Consider other costs such as painting, repairs, and furnishing the house. Before setting the budget, understand how much different homes in your desired location cost. You can do this online by checking various real estate websites. When you have a budget, you can plan the financing. Do you want to buy the home outright or get a mortgage? Will you sell your current house or rent it out?
4 – Inspect the New Home Thoroughly
Once you have your dream home, it’s time for a closer look. Make sure you thoroughly inspect the property before making any payments. Check for damages, cracks, leaks, and the roof.
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Understand how much it would cost to renovate or upgrade the home to your desired state. You can hire a home inspector if unsure how to proceed. They will give you an objective report of the condition of the house.
Discuss your findings with the seller and agree on who pays for the repairs or upgrades. If you’re buying a home through an agent, they’ll help with the negotiations. This step ensures you don’t buy a home only to incur more renovation costs you hadn’t initially planned.
5 – Understand the Paperwork
Buying a home is a considerable investment, and you want to protect your interests. Take time to understand the paperwork before putting your signature on the dotted line. Read the contract and all other supporting documents carefully.
If there are any clauses you don’t understand, seek clarification from your lawyer or estate agent. This way, you know what you’re signing up for and avoid any legal issues in the future.
6 – Know Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant or Homeowner
Even before you move in, understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or homeowner. For instance, you’re entitled to privacy, quiet enjoyment, and clean and safe housing as a tenant. You’re also responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable state and paying rent on time.
On the other hand, as a homeowner, you’re responsible for all repairs and maintenance. You also have the right to sell or lease the property. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps you know what to expect and avoid any issues in the future.
The Takeaway This New Home Is a Considerable Investment
Moving into a new home is an exciting experience. It’s a chance to start afresh and make new memories. However, it’s also a considerable investment that requires careful planning.
Follow the tips above to ensure you have a smooth and successful move. You don’t want to start shopping for a new home or regret the decision soon after moving in. Talk to experts, research different homes, and consult other concerned parties, such as your family, before settling on an ideal home.
On her downtime, Shashika enjoys container gardening on her rooftop and shares her bounty with friends and neighbors.
