10 Things To Look For In A House

10 Things To Look For In A House

Sometimes there aren’t a lot of homes for sale in Nanaimo to choose from and sometimes it seems like there are too many choices.

Either way, it helps to have a check list to make sure that your top wishes for a new home are being met.

Here are 10 things to look when buying a new house in Nanaimo:

1.  Curb appeal: Will you be proud of driving up to your new home each day, or is there some landscaping work that needs to be done?

2.  Outside storage:  Is the car port or garage large enough, and is there a storage shed outside to keep your yard tools in?

3.  Floor plan:  With older homes sometimes the floor plan, or interior layout, doesn’t match today’s lifestyles.

4.  Kitchen:  If you cook a lot or entertain, is the kitchen functional enough for your needs?

5.  Appliances:  Will you want to immediately replace the appliances in the home?  If so, be sure to have an idea of what they cost before you buy your new home so that you’re not caught short.

6.  Heating and cooling:  If these haven’t been properly maintained or are simply on their last legs, be sure to factor in these replacement costs when considering what to pay for your new house.

7.  Roof:  Having to make major repairs or replace a roof can be the largest hidden expense when owning a home.  Be sure to have a professional home inspection done so that there are no surprises.

8.  Plumbing fixtures:  Will the fixtures in the kitchen and baths need updating or replacement?  There are a lot of stylish fixtures on the market today and replacing them can make a big difference on how your bathroom looks.

9.  Windows and doors:  In an older home especially, the energy efficiency may not be up to par.  This can have a big impact on your utility costs, especially during the winter months.

10.Does the house feel like your home?  This is a very subjective question, and the answer is going to be different for everyone. 

When you’re looking at homes for sale in Nanaimo, keep in mind that you’re not just buying a house – you’re buying a home.