Buying a house can be a very exciting time. No matter if it is your first home or your next home, it is always exciting to get the key to your new house and begin the process of making it your own. However, before you get to that day, there can be some very stressful times along the way. There are several required steps, from getting a realtor and securing financing to negotiating and doing home inspections before you are handed the key.
To begin the process, you need to find a realtor that you like and search for a new house. In the meantime, you should shop around for a lender that will offer you the best rates and quality customer service. Once you find the right house, you’ll need to put in an offer and begin the home-buying process. Over the next month to 90 days, you’ll complete the mortgage process, engage with the seller and their agent, and have the home inspected. It is at this point that the work begins!
The home inspection is the best way to get a clear picture of the condition of the entire house and the things that you will want to do to take care of it. An inspection is a visual assessment done by a qualified professional and covers all aspects of the home and its systems. You will get a detailed report of the condition of everything from the HVAC system and foundation to the roof. You might negotiate with the seller to help take care of some of the things in the inspection. If the home is sold as-is or if the seller isn’t going to take care of everything, you’ll have some work and planning ahead of you.
Let’s look at some things that will be on your checklist when buying a new house.
Check the major systems.
The major parts of the house, such as the roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system, all make up any home’s major systems. These will be the areas that you want to pay special attention to. Your home inspection will reveal any problems with these systems, but you will have to decide how to handle any issues. You’ll want to make sure that everything is up to current standards and codes for much older homes. Professionals such as roofers, plumbers, and electricians can help you decide how to proceed if any problems exist.
If the HVAC has received regular maintenance, then the system should be in good shape. Depending on the age, however, it might require some attention. In these cases, do-it-yourself repairs are a big no-no when it comes to the maintenance of your HVAC system. It might just need a recharge or service, or you might find that the airflow, condenser, compressor, or air handler needs some work. In any case, you should contact a technician to evaluate your AC unit, furnace, or entire HVAC system. A certified HVAC technician can help you diagnose any issues and help get the HVAC system in working order.
Evaluate each room.
Once you get the major parts of your home checked out, you can evaluate the home room-by-room. Some homeowners can get overwhelmed in a new home, thinking that there is too much to do. Consulting with professionals and seeking advice from expert blogs such as interiorly.ca can help you get ideas and inspiration for each room. Focusing on one room at a time is the best way to make your move and projects more manageable. From the living room and kitchen to the bathrooms and dining room, you can evaluate each room and decide what changes you want to make and how the room should be set up.
Buying a new home can be exciting, but it can also come with some stress and work. Relying on the home inspection and then taking a systematic approach throughout the house will help you set goals and craft the home that you want.
