When looking at homes for sale in Menifee, CA or elsewhere, it’s crucial that you recognize other important factors apart from the house style and available budget. Moving into a new home entails a lot more than just those two components.
Here are some of the considerations that you should look into when going on a hunt for new home.
Foundation
This is not always the first thing that house hunters look at, but it should definitely be in your list. Inspect and examine the foundation to have an idea about the general condition of the structure. If there are cracks, see how far along they go and how deep they are. This is crucial because these cracks can become a way for moisture to come into the structure, which of course leads to the faster degradation of concrete and other materials.
Foliage and Trees
Foliage and trees can do a lot for a property’s curb appeal, that’s true. However, what you have to watch out for is how close they are to the main foundations of the home. The roots can cause a lot of problems to the foundation as well as the plumbing in the long run.
Apart from the roots, tree branches may also need constant trimming to avoid damage to the roofing system. Fallen and dried leaves can obstruct the gutters, and broken branches can cause undue weight on the roof itself.
Neighborhood
Aesthetics and functionalities aside, another thing you should be concerned about is the quality of the neighborhood. Especially if you are moving in with children, you want to be sure that they will have a safe environment to grow up in. Accessibility to your workplace, the children’s school, and other basic amenities and services such as the grocery and hospitals, are also major considerations. The price of a house actually also depends in part on the neighborhood that it is built in.
It’s best to consult with your real estate agent first to go through your own list of specific considerations before looking at houses for sale. Professional real estate agents can help filter out options early on in the process based on your considerations, so you don’t waste any time.
Offer a Higher Down Payment
Just because a seller is willing to accept a 10 percent down payment doesn’t mean you should do so. In fact, most lenders will require you to pay private mortgage insurance if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price of the home. If you can afford to do so, try to pay more than the standard 20 percent down.The extra cash upfront can give you an edge in a bidding war and convince a seller to choose you right then and there.
Sources:
Think Outside the Box: Exterior Considerations When House Hunting. Zillow.
11 Hidden Costs of Owning a Home, investopedia.com