10 Things to Look For When Searching for Homes

Searching for a home can be lengthy, and knowing what to look for is critical. Preparing for each property tour and knowing what to look out for helps buyers make the best decision possible regarding their new home. It’s easy to get distracted during the viewing process, so knowing what you hope to find during your search before it begins is a great way to ensure you end up with a property that suits all your needs and desires.

As professionals in the real estate industry with years of experience, The Dougherty Group knows what to look for when searching for a home. Their team serves several highly desirable neighborhoods within Northwest NJ  real estate market, including Morristown real estate and Morris Plains real estate. Having handled a diverse array of transactions, from condos for sale in Morris Plains, NJ, and townhomes for sale in Morristown, NJ, to Morristown mansions, The Dougherty Group guides each buyer they work with through what to look for when viewing homes for sale in Morris County, NJ.

To aid you in your journey to finding a property that’s perfect for you, The Dougherty Group has put together a checklist of 10 things to look for when searching for homes.

You can change a lot about a home, but you can never change its location. Pay careful attention to a property’s location while searching for a home. Is it located on a busy street or a quiet corner? If you have pets or young children or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, is there a good yard area with privacy from neighbors to relax in, or does it have windows facing it and cars driving by? Look for any noisy features around the home, such as train tracks that run early in the morning. Look at a property’s location and determine if it is in a good spot for your everyday lifestyle.

 

Beyond a property’s physical location, get to know information about its surrounding neighborhood. See what community facilities are available and if any events are hosted. Learn about the local school district and public services in the area. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your home’s neighborhood, so you want to ensure you enjoy being there.

 

A home’s interior is vital, but its exterior matters, too. Look at the curb appeal of each property you view and see whether or not it matches your style. Some changes, such as planting new flowers or painting the door, may be easy. However, other changes can be very pricey, like replacing the siding, installing a new roof, or removing an old tree from the lawn.

Think about what size home is the perfect fit for you and try to find similar properties. While a lot of square footage may initially seem appealing, it also requires more maintenance and effort to keep it clean if it’s a space you’ll never use. You want to look for properties with enough room for you to spread out but not too much to the point where there are unused and unneeded areas.

How a home’s layout is designed dramatically impacts how the space feels to live in. The proximity of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, dining areas, the flow of the rooms, and the outdoor yard all impact how a home is experienced. Look for not only the size of each property but its layout, too.

Don’t be so concerned with a home’s aesthetic that you forget its functionality. Having a home that looks beautiful is great, but having a home that fits well with your lifestyle is even better. While viewing properties, picture how your everyday life would function inside the house. Check if it has enough bedrooms and bathrooms, whether it has an open or separated floor plan, and if it has any additional elements you need or desire, such as an office space or a workout room. Imagine how functional it would be to live inside each property you view.

Having a home that feels bright and airy makes every space feel more inviting. Look at how the lighting is in each property you view and see whether or not it is adequate. Some things require only minor changes, such as replacing a chandelier. Other aspects, like how many windows a room has and how much natural light is let in, can’t be changed without significant renovations.

Take note of the features of each property and see if they match what you are looking for. For instance, if the kitchen is one of the rooms in a home where you spend the most time, make sure you love the space. Remodeling can be time-consuming and costly, so look for homes with the features you want so you don’t have to make as many changes later.

Homes always appear in their best form while people view the property, but things aren’t always as neat and organized in everyday life. As you view properties, look for how much storage space is available. Note the number and size of closets, and determine if there are enough cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms. You may also need an extra storage room, such as an attic area, to keep additional belongings. Look for homes with enough storage for your possessions.

While many of a home’s finishing touches can be changed, it’s good to look at the details and see how a house is designed. Having stylish hardware fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms adds a chic touch, and high-tech elements like a smart thermostat or a home security system appeal to many buyers. Check the details each home offers and see if they suit your needs. You may even want to consult a local interior designer to discuss what the home would look like once you were moved in and your belongings were all inside.

Searching for a home can sometimes feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for can make the process easier. Take note of the location, neighborhood, curb appeal, size, layout, functionality, lighting, features, storage, and details of each property you view. That way, you can narrow your list of properties to those that match your lifestyle. To ensure you see only the best properties during viewings, work with a professional real estate agent who knows the local housing market.

Contact The Dougherty Group today if you’re searching for a home in New Jersey and require a qualified real estate agent to work with. As experts on Morris County real estate, The Dougherty Group takes pride in helping each buyer they work with find their dream home. From high-end townhomes for sale in Morris County, NJ, to beautiful houses for sale in Morris County, they have experience working with a diverse array of properties. The Dougherty Group serves several highly desirable neighborhoods, including Morristown homes for sale and Morris Plains, NJ, homes for sale.

For more information, The Dougherty Group is available by phone at (973) 309-6178 or (862) 812-0962, by email at [email protected] or [email protected], or by visiting the contact form on their website.