Homebuyers and sellers need to know the key factors affecting their purchase decisions. These five factors can help determine whether a home is a good fit for both parties.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan is the first step to shopping within your budget. This also helps you show that you are a serious buyer to the seller.
Location
The location of new homes for sale in Murfreesboro. TN can significantly impact your overall cost of living. You must factor in mortgage payments, property taxes, utility bills, and routine maintenance costs. Researching the local area and determining whether these additional expenses will make homeownership out of reach for you is critical.
Real estate is highly local, so working with a local agent who understands your specific market is essential. Market conditions vary significantly from city to city, so your agent can help you prepare for what to expect.
Getting organized is essential to keep your new home looking its best. Consider how many bedrooms you need for your family’s current and future needs. Extra bedrooms can be used for guests, office space, or children’s playrooms. Additionally, be sure to pay attention to storage space. A lack of storage can be a deal breaker for some buyers, especially in older homes. Be sure to plan for storing sports equipment, out-of-season clothing, and holiday decorations when house hunting.
Size
If you’re in the market for a new home, you should know what size house you want before you start visiting open houses. This will help narrow your options and ensure your house meets your family’s needs. For example, consider how much square footage is allocated to different rooms. For example, some homes give more space to the kitchen while others devote more room to the living area.
It’s also essential to think about your family’s future needs. Are you planning on adding children to your household shortly? Do you need an extra guest bedroom or use it as an office? Purchasing a home that is too small can leave you feeling cramped while buying one that is too large can cost you more utility costs.
Another factor to consider when determining a home’s size is its age. Older homes tend to be smaller on average than those built recently. The same holds for location; a home for sale in a rural or suburban neighborhood will likely be more affordable than one in an urban area.
Price
It’s essential to get the price right when selling a home. If you overprice it, the property may sit on the market quickly without attracting any offers. Alternatively, you could miss much money if you underprice the property.
One of the primary ways real estate agents figure out a property’s value is by looking at comparable sales. This involves researching properties that have been sold recently in your neighborhood. These homes should be similar in size, features, and location to your property.
Your real estate agent can also use several other factors when determining the correct asking price for your home. For example, they can use professional photos to help attract buyers and increase the likelihood of getting a bid.
Some sellers believe they will get more money if they price their home higher than it should be. However, studies have shown that homes priced correctly from the start are more likely to sell. This is especially true if you avoid multiple price reductions, which can give the impression that there’s something wrong with your home.
Features
Home buyers are also interested in a property’s features besides location, size, and price. Several factors make up the home feature list, including how modern or old the house is and whether it has specific amenities.
Many buyers want large bedrooms with plenty of closet space and linen closets. They also wish to have homes that have spacious bathrooms and kitchens. Moreover, they want the laundry room to be close to the bedrooms. Buyers are practical and want less time doing chores like moving laundry from one room to another.
Additionally, many buyers are also interested in a well-lit basement and attic. Having these features is important because it can increase the value of a home.
Lastly, some buyers are looking for homes with a high-quality school district. This is because a good public school can enhance the quality of life in a neighborhood. This is especially true for families with children. Moreover, a good school district can also attract more job opportunities to an area.
Renovations
Home-buying isn’t just about looking at your new property; it’s also an excellent time to review your homeowner’s coverage. For example, it’s essential to make note of any homeowners association (HOA) fees and condo dues that may be involved in your purchase. These expenses will need to be added to your budget.
Many homeowners are tempted to undertake major renovation projects to increase their property’s value, but not all upgrades provide a high return on investment. Some can even detract from the overall value of the house.
For instance, while a custom kitchen or pool may appeal to you, they may turn off other buyers. A dated bathroom or non-functioning garage can also be a deal-breaker for potential homebuyers. Instead, opt for decor-neutral upgrades that will attract many buyers. For example, replacing an outdated bathroom with a new showerhead and fixtures may appeal more to prospective buyers than installing a luxurious jetted tub. New steel front doors and energy-efficient windows are relatively affordable upgrades that will likely increase a home’s resale value.