Finding the right house for your family can be a dicey predisposition. However, being aware of the real estate market and taking guidance from a professional can lighten the overall burden of this hectic task.
There are a number of homes for sale in Des Moines but before you begin your search, you should read the following non-exhaustive checklist to make the right decision while purchasing a property:
1. Bring a Camera, Notebook and Tape Measure
Keep track of all the houses you have visited by taking notes, pictures, and details about dimensions and landscaping. To get more organized, you can also download apps that help you organize things well.
2. See How Much Sunlight the Place Gets
Plan your trips during day time to check the amount of natural light coming in the house. This is commonly overlooked. Once you shortlist a house, visit it during different times of the day to have a better idea of the sunlight that gets in.
3. Check the Plumbing
Identifying the condition and material of pipes used for drain, waste, and vent pipes is a must. Check everything from faucets, showers, sinks,and toilets for possible leaks.
4. Orientation of the House
Heating and cooling bills are influenced by the positioning of the house on its lot which determines how much sunlight it receives. A south-facing house gets the most sun; whereas a home facing the north is cooler.
5. Driveway Space
Moving day is a bad time to realize that your car won’t fit in the narrow driveway. Check the length and width of the parking space before you finalize a house.
6. Room Size
As you move around the house, imagine the placement of your own furniture in the rooms to nail the correct size for your lifestyle.
7. Features of the Kitchen
Always check the shape and layout of the kitchen along with storage size.
8. Number of Bathrooms
Keeping in mind your present and future family needs, choose a home with enough bathrooms since adding one later can be too expensive.
9. Basement & Attic
Peek into the basement and attic to assess the height of the ceiling. Checking the insulation is also a plus.
10. Doors and Windows
In addition to serving as visual links between a home’s interior and exterior environments, windows and doors provide a means of physical movement and allow natural ventilation as well as day lighting. So, make sure there are sufficient doors to help fresh air enter the house.
11. Bring A Marble Or Two
Floor surfaces should also be examined whether they are leveled and of adequate strength. Use a marble if you want to make sure the floors are leveled perfectly.
12. Privacy
When sharing a wall, make sure it’s thick. Also, walk the premises to get a clear view of your next door neighbors.
13. Inspection of Electrical System
Wiring and safety features of a home’s electrical system should be properly checked. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) should also be evaluated. It is recommended to have a professional to perform the inspection.
14. Check The Closets And Cupboards
Don’t be afraid to peek inside the closets and cupboards to note their number and size. Having proper storage adds to the beauty of the house when you are living in it.
15. The Neighborhood
Before you decide to purchase a house, it is essential to consider what type of a neighborhood you are planning to move in to. Checking the availability of basic amenities like schools, library, parks and public transportation is a must.
