What You Shouldn’t Sweat When Finding a Home
If you’re on the home-buying journey for the first time, you may have the image of the perfect home in mind. Every wall a color you love, the best flooring, and the perfect backyard. While there’s a chance you may find your dream house, it is more likely that you’ll find that house with a few exceptions. So where should you draw the line? Are there things you should ignore if the price and location are right? The answer is yes! There are some things you can ignore while home shopping if it means checking the rest of your boxes. Here are some of the things you can overlook if you are considering making an offer on a home that has the perfect location or layout.
WEIRD CARPET/WALLPAPER
While it may be tempting to wait for a home with new carpet or freshly painted white walls, overlooking old carpet or vibrant wallpaper can help you get your otherwise dream-home. Replacing the carpet or painting the walls doesn’t have to be an expense for you, and it is something you can negotiate with the seller to get the best deal on your home.
ROOMS BEING ‘MISUSED’
You may walk into a house and see workout equipment next to a fridge, or a bed in a living room. Don’t let a room being used for something seemingly odd keep you from loving a house. It may be hard to picture your furniture somewhere, but use your imagination and give the room, and house, a chance. An exercise room today can easily be your kitchen next week!
SELLER PRESENCE
Some sellers choose to not remove personalized items before putting their house up for sale. It can be overwhelming to enter a home covered with photos of someone else’s family. While that may be the case, it is important to keep in mind that all of that personalization will be gone if you buy the home. Ignore what you can change, and just consider whether you can make the home your own.
Minor Cosmetic Issues
When touring homes, you might notice minor cosmetic flaws like chipped paint, outdated light fixtures, or worn-out hardware. These imperfections can be off-putting at first glance, but they are often easy and affordable to fix. A fresh coat of paint, new lighting, and updated knobs or handles can transform a space, making it feel fresh and new without a significant investment. Don’t let these small, easily rectifiable issues dissuade you from considering a home that meets your major criteria.
Landscaping Woes
The exterior of a home is the first thing you see, and an overgrown or poorly maintained yard can be a major turn-off. However, landscaping is another aspect of a home that can be easily improved. With some effort and creativity, you can turn an unkempt yard into a beautiful outdoor space. Whether it’s planting a garden, installing new sod, or simply trimming bushes and trees, landscaping changes can enhance the curb appeal of your new home significantly.
Kitchen and Bathroom Styles
Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most scrutinized rooms in a home, and it’s common for buyers to seek modern, updated spaces. If the home you’re considering has outdated cabinetry, countertops, or fixtures, remember that these elements can be updated over time. Look at the layout and size of the kitchen and bathrooms to determine their potential. With a bit of renovation, you can modernize these spaces to suit your style and needs.
Missing a Few Modern Conveniences
Some homes may lack modern conveniences like a smart thermostat, built-in speakers, or a home security system. While these features can enhance your living experience, they shouldn’t be deal-breakers. These technologies can be installed after you move in, often at a reasonable cost. Focus on the structural integrity and potential of the home, rather than the presence of every modern gadget.
Staging and Furniture
A poorly staged home or one that’s vacant can sometimes make it difficult to envision how you would use the space. Empty rooms might feel smaller, and odd furniture arrangements can be confusing. It’s important to remember that staging is temporary, and the house’s potential is what really matters. Bring your creativity and imagination to visualize how your furniture and decor would fit and transform the space into your dream home.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can focus on finding a home that truly fits your needs and lifestyle, rather than getting hung up on superficial details that can be changed or improved over time.
Leave a Reply