Now That's the Home for You

A new home purchase is a great opportunity for you to establish roots for your family and build on property value equity over time. But as you look for the right home to buy, in addition to finding a home with space you need you should also look at its various financial requirements and responsibilities. Here are some recommendations to help you plan for some of the financial part of finding and selecting a home to purchase.

Consider the Landscaping Needs

Each property you look at will usually include a yard that has its own landscaping or a lack of landscaping, and you will need to account for it and its needs in your decision. The yard and its landscaping will be a part of your homeownership responsibilities so you will need to make sure you are able to take on the yard work. 

For example, if a property has a large unfinished property that it sits upon, you need to consider the cost to install a yard. You may also leave the lot unfinished, but some city ordinances may require you to finish the landscaping. Be sure to check into the city regulations with the help of your real estate agent before you make a decision such as this one. 

You might also find a home that has a yard that is well maintained with shrubbery, lawn, trees, and flowers. And if you purchase the home you will need to be able to keep up on the yard care. Otherwise, you may risk your property losing value if you let the landscaping become overgrown or die.

Calculate Maintenance and Repairs

Another important cost to consider is the cost of keeping up the physical property and handling any repairs and maintenance. The condition of the property, its age, and any neglect or deferred maintenance when you buy the home will immediately become your financial responsibility. For example, if you buy a home that has a property fence that is falling down and rotting away, the fence replacement may be a cost you need to plan to pay for and include in your new budget. 

Be sure you have the property professionally inspected before the inspection deadline so you have a good idea of the property's problems or required maintenance. This information will be invaluable to you when you make a final decision whether or not to purchase the property and what types of or extent of work and repairs you request the seller to complete before you buy the home.

To learn more information about finding a home, reach out to a real estate professional that knows about single family homes.