Price Range And Style

Before shopping for a house, decide upon an approximate price range and style. An older person may want to search for a style that requires less maintenance and otherwise will fit his or her needs. A one story house or condominium with low yard maintenance may be more manageable than a ranch or two story house. A younger couple may desire a house with an adequate yard for children to enjoy.

Location

Once the buyer has determined the type of house, consider the location and proximity to desirable activities. When making the decision, give serious consideration to driving time to work, nearness to airports, access to restaurants, entertainment, and churches. You should even consider making a test drive to the office during rush hour to see if you can really deal with the commute.

Two primary considerations that are often overlooked are school districts and population growth.

Schools

Even if the house is in a desirable school district, check the surrounding schools as districts change. If you are near an undesirable school, that school has the potential to become your local school in the future. Check the test scores on national tests and compare. Test scores can be found in the school's media center or at the state education website. Make an appointment for a visit and walk in the halls on a tour. No kids? Be aware that school districts affect resale values.

Population Growth

Investigate the population growth and projected building trends in your area. Popular areas change quickly. Make sure the area will be as desirable in the future.

Inspection

When buying a home, consider employing a professional inspector to avoid surprises. Areas of concern include heating and air conditioning units, pest infestations, water damage from drainage, and settling of the house. The professional knows how to check these concerns as well as roofs, floors, insulation, ventilation, doors, windows, hot water heaters, water pipes, gutters and electrical outlets.

Examples Of A Surprise

Pest Infestation
You receive a letter stating there is no termite infestation. Two months later a termite infestation is discovered or another type of infestation such as powder post beetles. The cost for correcting the problem is yours. Know your inspector and walk with him during the inspection if possible.

Water Drainage
The average home buyer does not posses the ability to know the signs of improper water drainage. Landscape correction could be a $10,000 expense.

A professional home inspector can be an economical option to understand the expected costs of repairing a home. This is important when considering the price for carpenters, plumbers, and electricians to make corrections that could be necessary in the future.

A good home inspector can often save his/her fee several times over by finding repair work that should be completed by the seller prior to closing. Getting the seller to agree may require negotiation, but sellers will generally agree to make the necessary repairs and provide an allowance so that the purchaser can get them done.

• Remember that a real estate agent is working for a commission. A reputable agent's goal is customer satisfaction, but ease of sale and size of commission enters into the choice of houses that an agent recommends. Check "Homes for Sale" magazines and the local newspapers for both listings and the going price for a home in selected neighborhoods. Newspapers publish information about recent home sales which includes sale price. Another option for finding sale information is to use county websites.
  
  
• Speak with the previous occupants. Ask questions concerning improvements made, age of items such as the hot water heater and heating/air conditioning units, the type of water pipes (copper is preferred), and possible problems. A forthright person may give valuable insight. Many states now require detailed disclosure statements that can be a huge help to the purchaser in understanding potential problems.
  
  
• Drive through the neighborhood. If a large number of homes are for sale, it is a "red flag" that problems exist.