Are you planning on moving to Florida? There are lots of people who enjoy moving to Florida because of the beautiful weather, favorable tax advantages, and employment opportunities. At the same time, you need to find a house. As you take a look at the list of Maitland FL homes for sale, you might be wondering how you can choose the right one to meet your needs. It is easy to get lured in by a beautiful picture, but you should not base the purchase of a home solely on the picture you see in front of you. What are a few of the most important factors you should keep in mind if you are looking for a home for yourself and your family?
Consider Location First
The first thing you need to do is think about the location of the home. There is a saying that the three most important factors in real estate are location, location, and location. There are several reasons why you need to think about the location of your home. First, you need to think about your commute. Unless you work from home, you’ll need to drive yourself from your house to your office. Make sure the drive is not too bad. The location of the home and also impact the school system your children might attend. You want your children to get the best education possible. Finally, the location of the house can also determine your proximity to the ocean, shopping, and dining opportunities.
Think About the Age of the Home
Next, you need to think about the age of the home. The age of the home is important because it dictates when major expenses might be coming your way. For example, if the house is already 15 years old, you may need to replace the hot water heater soon. If your house is approaching 20 years old, the furnace is probably at the end of its life. If your house is pushing 25 years old, then you might need to replace the roof soon. These are significant expenses that you need to prepare for.
Look at the Surrounding Area
As you take a look at the house, you should also consider the surrounding area. How far apart are your neighbors? How much land do you have? Is the area safe? Is there an HOA? All of these are questions you can answer if you take a look at the immediate vicinity surrounding your home. If you are new to the area, you might not be familiar with the neighborhood. A local real estate agent can tell you more about the region.
Make a List of Needs and Wants
You should also make a list of needs and wants. For example, do you need a house with a certain number of bedrooms? If so, you need to include this in the “needs” column. You might also be looking for a house with a bonus room that the children can play in. Do you need a kitchen that has multiple ovens? Is a gas stove a requirement? These are common items that people put on the “needs” list. Then, you should make a list of wants as well. The items you put in this column are not necessarily deal-breakers, but they could make a difference if you are choosing between multiple homes. Think carefully about what you include on this list.
Work With a Real Estate Agent Who Can Help You
Finally, it is also important for you to work with a real estate agent who can assist you. Every market is different, and you should work with a real estate agent who has experience in the local area. They can talk to you about the traffic situation, the local schools, and potentially shopping and dining opportunities. Of course, you should also have your real estate agent walk through the home with you. They might identify issues with the home before you make an offer. The last thing you want to do is purchase a house right before making a bunch of repairs. Work with a real estate agent who can help you find the right home for you and your family.
