Home
Buying Tips: 10 Practical Pointers
When Evaluating a South Bay House or Condo
1. Access?
Evaluate the process of carrying things from the car parking
area to the kitchen or mudroom. Look carefully at the route
and the obstacles. If the present set up isn't ideal, is there
a simple solution?
2. What wall does the bed fit on?
Some houses have window placement that forces you to place a
bed by or under a window. The designers wanted the house to
look correct from the exterior, even though that meant sacrificing
logical furniture placement along a wall. Do you care if the
king or queensized bed must go under a window or at an unusual
angle?
3. Landscaping
Landscaping enhances the enjoyment of your home and even adds
monetary value. The time is money rule applies especially to
landscaping. A beautifully landscaped yard with mature shrubs
and beautiful trees takes years to establish. Pay attention
to what a property offers outdoors. If there are trees that
haven't been maintained well or need to be removed, you can
anticipate additional landscaping expenses.
4. The Yard
How big is it? Who mows it and at what annual cost? If you are
a condo buyer, compare the landscaping budgets of different
complexes to see if your condo fees will be higher because of
additional landscaping expenses. How important is a very green
lawn to you? Yards for some are a high priority while others
look at it as an unecessary hassle....how important is it to
you?
5. Go back to the property and neighborhood at different
times of day and night.
At different times of day, sunlight will be in different parts
of the house, making the living space more or less inviting.
After conventional work hours, the neighborhood may have many
more vehicles around than when you saw the house at midday while
everyone was away from home. Does the neighborhood have adequate
parking on the street and on each person's property and how
is the traffic noise?
6. Have a seat
Change your viewing perspective and slow down. Actually when
you are home, you are probably more likely to be seated. See
how the living space is from this angle.
7. Heating and Air Conditioning
While most homes in the South Bay don't have air conditioning
find out from neighbors and your realtor what the weather is
generally like in winter and summer. Most neighborhoods in the
South Bay offer very temperate whether with the ocean so close
by, but find out about breezes and temperatures if possible.
8. Sunlight
If you find a part of the dwelling lacks sufficient daylight,
it is possible to use light bulbs that have the full spectrum
of light waves to correct this deficiency. At certain times
of the year, some rooms may tend to be dark. Some hallway bathrooms
lack any windows, and some condos may have their kitchens on
an inside wall. Basements are brighter and more pleasant with
full spectrum bulbs. House plants will thrive, too!
9. Measure
When you are looking, measure that special piece of furniture
or rug that must fit into your new home. Bring the measurements
and the tape measure with you when house-hunting!
10. You'll recognize your new house when you see it.
Finding the right house can be like picking a family member
out of a crowd. When all else fails, trust your instincts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
