What to Look for in a House

It's easy to fall in love with a house because of its appearance, its view, or its roofline. Before you develop an emotional attachment to a house that would not suit your needs or be a good investment, make sure you consider these very important factors.

Location is the first determiner of if a house will be good for you and your family. How are the schools? What is the rest of the neighborhood like? What services are nearby? How would your commute to work be? Once you've determined that the house is in a good neighborhood, near schools you like and services you need, look at the lot and the way the house sits on it.

Lots should be rectangular, more or less, and as level as possible. The yard, while it does not have to be huge, should be distributed around the house in a way that suits your needs. The landscaping should be simple and easy to maintain. Avoid anything too ornate, lest you have to spend every single weekend working on it just to keep it from becoming a jungle. Like fine jewelry, the yard should give the house polish, not steal the show.

Inside the house, pay special attention to the bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen. The most popular houses have three or four bedrooms and at least 2.5 bathrooms. There should be a half-bath for guests to use the facilities and wash up; a master bath; and a shared bath for general use near the other bedrooms. The kitchen should be as spacious as possible. Eating areas and living areas should be nearby, and flow easily. Make sure the cupboards, countertops, and flooring are in good condition, and that the appliances are fairly new and attractive.

Storage is a must in every house. Every bedroom needs a closet, of course. The master bedroom should have a walk-in closet to suit most modern tastes. Remember to check for a linen closet and coat closet, too. The garage should be at least the two-car variety, and should also allow for storage of seasonal and outdoor items. The utility room or laundry area should also offer plenty of storage for cleaning and laundry supplies. It should be located in a central, convenient location, but not be an eyesore.

A fireplace is a nice touch in a living room, but more than one is usually a waste of space and will not get used. They really don't add to the value of the home. Surprisingly, neither do swimming pools. If you really want a pool for your own enjoyment, get it - but don't choose a house with a pool because it's worth more because it just is not.

If you are satisfied with each of these factors about a house, you should consider making an offer. Even if it does not become your family home until the end of time, it will hold its resale value for when you are ready to move on. Buy with confidence, knowing your decision came from your mind and not just your heart.