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10 Things to Consider When Purchasing Your First Home

Written by Jacob Ferrer | Jan 9, 2023 3:00:00 PM

Buying a home is a big decision that requires careful consideration.

There are many factors to take into account when purchasing a home, and it's important to carefully weigh all of your options before making a decision.

Don't know where to start looking for things to take into consideration? Transactly's got you covered - here are 10 things to consider when purchasing a home:

1) Location

Your home's location is something to think about carefully. Do you prefer to live in a bustling city neighborhood or a more rural setting? Do local facilities like decent schools and other services exist in the area? Is the neighborhood kept up and safe? Consider your daily commute, the availability of public transportation, and the distance from your home, place of employment, and social circles.

2) Price

When buying a property, your budget is an important factor. Make sure to account for closing costs, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance expenditures in addition to the purchase price. It's critical to know exactly what you can afford and to stick to your spending plan.

3) Home style

Think about the type of home you would prefer to live in. Do you prefer a townhouse, a condo, or a regular single-family home? Consider what will work best for you and your family as each form of home has advantages and disadvantages.

4) Size

How much room do you require? Take into account the home's size overall as well as the amount of bathrooms and bedrooms. Although maintaining a larger home may cost more, it may also provide additional space for a growing family or entertaining.

5) Condition

Consider the house's general state. A house in good condition will require less upkeep and could have cheaper overall ownership costs. On the other side, a house that requires a lot of work can be a terrific chance to save money, but it will also cost more to fix up.

6) Age

Despite their charm and character, older homes sometimes have dated systems and appliances. Although newer homes might be more cost-effective and require less upkeep, they might also be more energy-efficient. Keep those in mind when surveying the market for a new home.

7) Energy efficiency

When buying a home, energy efficiency is a crucial factor to take into account because it can lower your carbon footprint and monthly energy costs. Look for amenities like insulation, double-paned windows, and energy-efficient appliances.

8) Home mortgage interest deduction

You might be able to claim a home mortgage interest deduction for the interest you pay on your mortgage if you're planning to itemize your deductions on your tax return. Particularly in the early years of your mortgage when you are paying more interest, this can lead to a considerable amount of savings in both the short and long term.

9) Monthly mortgage payment

Your monthly mortgage payment will be made up of several components:

  • The principal (the amount you borrowed)
  • interest (the cost of borrowing the money)
  • any applicable property taxes
  • insurance

These will all be included in your monthly mortgage payment. Make sure to think about how much your mortgage payment will be each month and whether you can afford it when budgeting.

10) Mortgage debt

It is also crucial to consider how getting a mortgage will affect you in the long run. A mortgage is a significant obligation that you will be repaying over a 15- to 30-year period. When determining how much you can borrow, be sure to take your other debts and financial objectives into account.

With that being said, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a home. It's important to take the time to carefully weigh your options and make an informed decision. By considering factors such as location, price, home style, size, condition, age, energy efficiency, home mortgage interest deduction, monthly mortgage payment, and mortgage debt, you can make the best decision for your needs and budget.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog post! For more tips and tricks regarding the real estate space, make sure to keep an eye on our socials. We get new blog posts up every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday!

We'd also like to list down the following websites that provided the inspiration behind this blog post - give their articles a read as well!

FortuneBuilders: https://www.fortunebuilders.com/things-to-consider-when-buying-a-home/

Family Handyman: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/10-important-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-house/

Homeia: https://homeia.com/10-important-features-to-consider-when-buying-a-house/

The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/things-to-look-for-house-hunting-1977279