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Tips for First Time Home Buyers
September 6, 2021 | Posted by: Marc Crossman
Buying a house can be a scary and overwhelming experience. Here are some tips if you are buying a home for the first time.
Research your builder
A good builder cares about your vision for your new home and will make you feel comfortable with your purchase. Look for a builder who invites 3rd party, unbiased inspectors to visit their builds. Issues that are uncovered are fixed before the house is delivered to you.
Watch for “lipstick and mascara” work
Patchwork repair jobs are usually a sign that the homeowner tried to cover up an issue. It’s easy to make a house look good on the surface and hide a world of trouble behind the walls. If you are looking at a house that’s been renovated, go to the city and find the permits. If there are none that means they didn’t hire a pro or they did the work themselves.
Stay away from DIY jobs
First-time homebuyers tend to watch a few DIY videos, or some renovation shows on TV and think they can take on electrical and plumbing work. Anything that has to do with the structural integrity or safety of your home should be left in the hands of a professional. It’s going to cost a lot more to have someone come in and fix the mess you created.
Get a home inspection
You may be knowledgeable about construction but having a qualified home inspector do a thorough home inspection is always recommended. They can assess the major systems of your home and give you an idea of what you are investing in. This is important in making renovation decisions.
Budget for home maintenance and repairs
Make sure you have the money saved up for the repair jobs that need to be completed. Do your research on what it will cost to maintain the home seasonally. A thorough maintenance check of your home is as simple as going around your home and looking for things like broken caulking, mould, and leaks. Find a home maintenance checklist from a reputable source and inspect your home every season.
Focus on energy management
If a full smart home is not possible, start small by installing a programmable thermostat. It is a great way to manage your energy bills. I also recommend setting timers on your lights and appliances to make your home more energy efficient.
