Oakland, CA – Features to Look at When Buying a New House | Real Estate News

Wondering what features to look at when buying a new house?

Investing your life-savings of hard-earned money into buying a new house is a definitely a big and intimidating decision. This decision impacts many important aspects of your future life including your standard of living, your daily commute time, the schools your children go to, and even the sense of security you feel as you fall asleep.

This is why it’s highly important to take a practical approach in this buying process. Having a list of specific requirements for certain features of the house can help you make the right decision. This will help you choose a house that checks all the boxes that are important to you and your family. This will also ensure that you are able to convey the specific requirements to your real estate agent so that they can narrow down the options for you. Continue reading this article to find out the important features to look at when buying a new house.

Location of the New House

They say you can change everything about the house you buy but no amount of money can change its location. This is why location is the first and most important thing to look at when buying a new house. Whenever you go house hunting, you should always judge the potential home’s location very critically. Think about its proximity to your workplace, safety of the neighborhood, and access to public transportation, quality schools, parks, and even shopping centers. Buying a house that is located in an ideal location for you will ensure you enjoy a better quality of life by saving time on daily commutes and sending your children to the best schools.

The Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms

When it comes to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in a home, every family has different requirements. Having enough bedrooms and bathrooms ensures that your family members can have the space and privacy to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The majority of couples want their home to have at least two bedrooms and bathrooms. If they have children, then this number usually increases. If you tend to host live-in guests more regularly then it’s best to have an extra room to be designated as the bedroom.

Preferences about the Kitchen

Another area where family members spend a lot of their time is the kitchen. The kitchen in your home can also be the centre of activity whenever you host family and friends. This is why it’s imperative that you assess the size and layout of the kitchen carefully in the new house you are buying. Some families require a more spacious kitchen with plenty of storage space whereas others prefer a modest kitchen.

The Age of the House You’re Buying

The last aspect you definitely need to look at is how old the house is. The age of the house you are buying will surely affect your lifestyle. Old homes usually tend to have more character and a rustic appeal but they also require expensive repairs and upgrades more often.  This is why you should be prepared to have the time and budget to manage renovation projects if you are thinking about buying an older home.