Buying a home is a big step. There is a lot that goes into it, and with so many things going on at once, some items might get overlooked. However before you make your purchase, it’s important that you go over some key details to ensure you know what you are getting into. To help you out, here are 6 things you’ll want to look at and consider before you sign any papers.

The Location

There’s a saying in the business world – “Location, location, location.” Essentially this means that no matter what your business is, the location is the most important factor. This is also true for your home. The location of the home will play a large role in not only the price, but how much you enjoy it. How far are you from the local stores? What school district are you in? Are there fun things to do nearby? What’s the weather like in this area? These are all important things to consider before you buy your home. You don’t want to make a purchase, only to discover it’s a long drive to get groceries, or that your area is prone to get bad hurricanes.

Neighbors

Looking a little closer to home, you’ll want to get a read on your potential neighbors if you can. Do they take care of their property? Do they have young kids? Are there any complaints within the neighborhood? Imagine moving you and your family in, only to discover the house next door is a home for a college fraternity. Problems with your neighbors could put a damper on the fun you experience from buying a home, so find out what you can before you move in.

Landscape

Moving in closer, we have the landscape surrounding your home. What sort of privacy do you have in your yard? Is there a lot of work that needs to be done? Do certain areas flood after a heavy rainstorm? Changing the landscape of a yard is usually expensive, and you’ll want to think about this before you make any decisions. While you can certainly change things after you buy the home, it’s better if you don’t have to do too much work in order to get your yard the way you want it.

Major Appliances

Moving inside the home, you’ll want to examine any major appliances and hardware that are coming with the home. Things like the furnace, washer and dryer, central air conditioning, and dish washer are all expensive pieces, and you need to know what kind of shape they are in. The cost of your home is likely impacted by the inclusion of these pieces, but if they are in bad shape or need repairs, you don’t want to pay extra for them. Examine each carefully and make sure they work, and even consider having an expert come into the home and inspect them for you. Here is a list of the appliances you should check before including them in the sale of the home.

Flooring

After the appliances, you’ll want to check on the floors within the home. Are they in good shape? Are you going to need to replace the carpeting? Do you notice any signs of water damage? Replacing the floor of a room can be costly, especially if it’s a larger room, so the less you have to do the better. Don’t be afraid to get down close and really examine the floors if need be to ensure they are in good shape.

The Roof

Finally, after looking down at the floors, look up towards the ceilings and the roof. If the roof is in bad shape, you could be in for some costly repairs. Take a look on the outside and see if you notice any damage. On the inside, you’ll want to look for signs of water damage within the ceilings – or signs that water damage was covered up. You can hire an expert to come in and examine the roof for you, or you can try to do it yourself. Either way, just be sure the roof is in good condition before you buy anything.

Doing Your Due Diligence

When buying a home, you need to check over every nook and cranny. There are some parts of the home you’ll want to give extra attention to however, as they could lead to costly jobs down the road. If you’re set on a home, consider hiring local professionals to examine it one last time before you complete the sale.

For instance, if you’re looking at homes for sale in Woodinville, WA, you could work with your local realtor, or check online listings, for professionals in that area. Experts in the area will know best what to look for in those types of homes, and will be able to give you a solid assessment. No matter how you go about it, as long as you are thorough, and examine the items mentioned above, you should find yourself pleased with your new home.