Know What Is In Store For Your Potential New Home

When looking for a new home, it's not just about the now. Careful homebuyers may want to make a few additional evaluations to account for what could happen in the future. Read on and realize how present housing matters could influence your future home situation.

Foundation and Lot Issues

Homes are only as stable as their foundations, and small issues now could snowball into giant problems later. Carefully check for cracks around the foundation of the home, and take a look at additions like porches, decks, and sunrooms that are attached to the house. Also, if your home sits on a hill and there are steep grades in walks or driveways, be sure to have an expert evaluate the stability of the ground so that your dream home won't be as vulnerable to drainage or slip issues.

Look Around Your New Neighborhood

You won't be able to physically move your home anywhere else, so do some research to reassure yourself that the open field behind your home won't become the back of a big box store. Zoning is important, and it's vital to stay on top of any potential changes in zoning that could affect your peace and quiet along with your property value.

Storage Issues

The older the home is, the more likely it can suffer from lack of storage. Most people have a lot more stuff than ever before, and it's important to look ahead when it comes to a place to put all that stuff. If you are an empty nester, you may not need to worry about large closet space, but growing families may need more space than others. Basements, lofts, walk-in closets, and extra bedrooms are all a good idea for those who need more storage, and those can be expensive to add later.

Hearing Less Noise

It's best to visit any home you expect to purchase at various times of the day and on different days of the week. Barking dogs, overhead air traffic, a dance club down the road, a neighbor with noisy vehicles – all those things can affect your peace and quiet and may not be as obvious during the middle of a weekday.

Invasive Species

Landscaping is expensive, and it's nice to move into a home that has mature trees, bushes, beds, and more. However, be sure you take into consideration the placement and growth of those trees and bushes. Locate your mainline, which is the sewer pipe that leads to the street pipe, and check for nearby invasive plants. Certain types of trees located near sidewalks, driveways, and your foundation are also a bad idea. Consider the cost of removing trees with weak limbs and other invasive plants along with your other housing costs.

None of the above future issues are necessarily deal-breakers, but they should go into the total decision when buying a home. Keep these tips in mind when looking at homes for sale near you.


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