5 Critical Things to Look for When Buying a Home - John Griffith Realty

Posted by John Griffith on August 24th, 2022

 

Chances are, you probably already have an idea of the perfect Las Vegas home. You envision a certain style and floorplan, price range, location, and even a few amenities. However, when combing through Las Vegas Homes, you need to establish criteria for the optimal living space. After all, your new home is more than just a purchase. Instead, it’s an investment.

As you and your real estate agent search for Las Vegas homes for sale, add things like structural integrity, home improvements, location, floorplan, size, cost of living, schools, and homeowner’s association (HOA) to your checklist. Below are 5 Critical things to look for when buying a home.

Structural IntegrityBefore listing a property with a Las Vegas homes realty, a seller is often faced with the task of repairing the house, making home improvements, and staging the house. It is primarily to make the house more attractive to potential buyers. 

 

However, sellers may take shortcuts, focusing more on aesthetics than on the quality of the home. Therefore, it may be up to you to ensure the home is structurally sound.

Before purchasing any home, schedule a comprehensive home inspection from an objective third-party inspector. You can find an inspector or ask your Las Vegas realtor to hire one. An inspection should include a full assessment of these and other core home components.

  •  Electrical system
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC system
  • Supporting framework
  • Foundation
  • Roofing system
  • Windows & doors
  • Appliances

 

Keep in mind that if you do not prioritize the structural and systemic integrity of the home, you could spend thousands on home repairs and upgrades down the road. If your home is in poor condition, your homeowner’s insurance company could drop your policy, or you may void your warranty.

Floorplan Size and Design

The floor plan sets the stage for the look and feel of your home. While aesthetics plays a significant role in a floorplan, you should also consider how well it functions. How does the floor plan flow? How does it move from room to room? Does it suit your lifestyle? Does it meet your goals? 

There is no right or wrong floor plan. So, when choosing a home design, decide what’s important to you.

 

  • The floor plan should fit into your budget.
  • The floor plan needs to be the right size.
  • Choose between a single-story and multiple-story home.
  • Factor in your lifestyle.
  • Don’t forget the outdoor space your need.
  • Think about long-term plans.
  • Make a list of things you want to avoid.
  1. Cost of Living

Maintaining a home is like running a mini enterprise. You’ll need to budget for the expected and unexpected costs of living in the house. The average family in Nevada spends roughly ,700 on housing-related costs. Where does the money go?

  •  Mortgage payment
  • Property taxes
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Utilities
  • Homeowners (HOA) dues
  • Home Repairs
  • Routine maintenance & cleaning
  • Home improvements
  • Appliance purchases

 

One of the biggest mistakes that home buyers make is setting unrealistic expectations for how much they can afford to spend. However, many buyers do not account for the unexpected costs that are guaranteed to happen. So, when choosing a home, one of the first questions you need to ask is whether you can afford to live in it.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of condos for sale las vegas, Nevada. So, you should be able to find homes that meet your standard of living without blowing your budget.

  1. Location

Finding the right location is more than just finding a house close to your child’s school or your favorite stores. There’s a real science to getting a prime location that reaps numerous benefits you may not have thought of. 

Property Value

No person is an island - and, unless you’re George Clooney, neither is a property. Other homes directly impact the market value of Las Vegas homes. A realtor will do a comparative analysis of comparable homes when appraising your home’s value. It is why it’s important to choose a location where the market doesn’t negatively affect your home’s value.

Amenities

If you’re the type of person that needs to be close to town, then location should be a priority. Decide which amenities fit best into your lifestyle - schools, shopping, entertainment, church, public transportation, hospitals, parks - find the areas of town where your preferred amenities exist and start your search there. 

Neighborhood

For better or worse, neighborhoods take on a life of their own and impact the people therein. Therefore, choose your neighborhood wisely, because you have to live with your neighbors. When evaluating a neighborhood, look at its economics, social or cultural life, crime rate, property values, and how ‘busy’ it is. Some neighborhoods are eerily quiet - others never stop.

  1. Homeowners Associations (HOAs)

Speaking of neighborhoods, many Las Vegas homes for sale are a part of homeowner’s associations (HOAs). If you are unfamiliar with HOAs, you owe it to yourself to learn more about these organizations. While HOAs provide lots of benefits and amenities, they’re not everyone. 

On the one hand, you may appreciate living in a community that takes pride in its people and and property. On the other hand, you may feel that some of your personal liberties have been taken away. Here’s a quick rundown on the pros and cons of HOAs.

Pros:

  • HOAs provide perks like lawn care service.
  • Your property value is likely to increase, not decrease.
  • HOAs offer lots of amenities.
  • Part of your HOA dues may go to pay your utilities.
  • Someone is always there to moderate conflicts.

Cons:

  • The same fees that pay for perks can be wildly expensive.
  • Unpaid fees can become liens that prevent you from selling your house.
  • Home improvements or upgrades may require HOA approval.
  • Rules, rules, and more rules.
  • In the end, you may not be the HOA type.

Before moving into an HOA, do your homework. Ask for the HOA’s, master deed, declaration, or CCR. Get to meet at least one board member and ask lots of questions. Also, make sure you can afford those fees or other expenses.

Buy or Sell Las Vegas Homes with John Griffith Realty

Whether you are buying or selling a property, John Griffith Realty offers comprehensive real estate services for Las Vegas homes. Take advantage of the Las Vegas market by signing up up for an account. To get started, fill out the contact form or call us today!

Originally published on: https://www.johngriffithrealty.com/5-critical-things-to-look-for-when-buying-a-home

Like it? Share it!


John Griffith

About the Author

John Griffith
Joined: July 4th, 2022
Articles Posted: 6

More by this author