Whether you find yourself searching online or driving around looking for your future home, there are a few things you should know beforehand. The obvious things to look for when buying a house are finding the right area, ensuring the home inspection doesn’t dig up any unwanted surprises and all of your finances are in order when it’s time to close. We’ve gathered some other things you might want to keep in mind that will make turning a house into a home much more enjoyable!
Pay Attention To Cleanliness
The first thing you notice is the exterior of a house. For instance, what is the condition of the roof, siding, or the cleanliness of the gutters? If there’s a patio, porch, or deck, do they look like they could use a powerwash? All of these things can not only throw off your initial reaction when searching for a home but can be a tell-tale sign of what the condition the interior may look like.
Evaluate The Landscape
Another thing to consider when buying a house is the condition of the landscaping. Be sure to check out the front and backyard to gauge how much or little work is ahead of you. However, if you’re not one who’s shy of getting their hands dirty, adding plants, bushes, or flowers around the house can be a great opportunity to add personal style to your home’s exterior.
Assess The Colors
It’s commonplace to see similar color schemes amongst neighborhoods that feature neutral colors. This doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t ways to add splashes of color throughout the exterior of your future home. Some of our favorite ideas include painting the front door, coordinating hardware and lighting fixtures, and of course, custom exterior shutters!
Consider The Outdoor Decor
It comes as no surprise that outdoor decor can make or break the look of a house. Rather than ruling out a home purely based on the outdoor decor, try envisioning what it COULD look like! From decorative molding to flower beds, window boxes, leisure-inspired furniture, and even updated columns and railings, the sky’s the limit to what your future home’s potential holds.
Look Out For Damage
Though it’s tons of fun imagining all the ways to make a house look amazing, it’s just as important to look for areas that could be costly upfront expenses. Keep a close eye out for cracked windows, siding, split fences, and long, deep cracks and pitting in the driveway. These and much much more can be expensive updates that could potentially place those wonderful ideas of yours on the backburner.
