House Hunting Journey: Easy-to-Miss Features That Matter the Most

It doesn’t take long to fall in love with a house you see for sale. You might adore the color scheme, the gardens, or the kitchen, but before you sign on that dotted line, it’s crucial to do your due diligence. Part of this process involves making sure those easy-to-miss features are thoroughly investigated. Otherwise, you might end up spending more than you bargained for.

Home Heating

Something as simple as being able to buy furnace filters online can make a world of difference to your confidence in purchasing a home. Outdated HVAC systems or those that have fallen into a state of disrepair can be a significant cost you weren’t expecting.

While you might find that the house you’re eyeing has appropriate heating, it’s worth digging deeper to find out more. How old is it? When was it installed? Can you still buy replacement parts, filters, and other components for it? When was the last time it was professionally maintained? It might not seem important, but it can be additional stress on top of what can already be quite a taxing time.

The Home’s Orientation

There are plenty of home improvements you can make to a property that has a good foundation, but one thing that’s a lot harder to change is your property’s orientation. Orientation refers to the direction your house is facing. This is important because it dictates which parts of your slice of paradise will receive sunlight and when.

A property positioned on the south side with a north face will receive plenty of sun in their backyard in the summer. If you live somewhere that experiences scorching hot summers, you may prefer a north side property with a south-facing home. That way, you can enjoy shade in your yard during the hottest parts of the day. A property’s orientation is a personal preference, but it’s well worth thinking about before putting up that ‘sold’ sign.

Evidence of Termite Treatment

Whether you’re buying an entry-level property or a luxury one, termites don’t discriminate. Always be on the lookout for signs that termite treatment has taken place. Sometimes, this will show itself as evenly-spaced filled-in holes in concrete areas surrounding your property.

Without this sign, it’s still worth asking the seller or agent about whether there have been any infestations. If so, a structural engineer may be required to check the home’s structure.

The Neighborhood

When you’re so busy looking at the house and its many features, you may not spare a thought for the neighborhood and its practicality for your lifestyle. Sometimes, though, the community can be just as important as the house.

Is it within proximity to all life’s necessities? Is it safe for families? Are there any upcoming developments that could impact your comfort and way of life? Visit the neighborhood at night and during the day. Walk the streets, and view it from a real homeowner’s point of view.

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