In The Market For A Home? Here Are Some Unique Ways To Try Before You Buy
If you're like most people who are looking to purchase a home, you want to do all you can to ensure that the property you choose will meet your family's needs, expectations, and preferences for many years to come. You shouldn't have to make expensive renovations or updates after your purchase because things aren't working out exactly as you expected. Here's what you can do to gain some intimate insight into the homes you consider buying so you don't end up regretting your purchase later:
Rent the Place
One of the best ways to make sure that a home you're interested in buying will truly meet your needs and expectations as time goes on is to rent the place if possible. Ask your real estate agent to arrange a weekend or week-long rental agreement for you so your family can spend some intimate time on the property and get to know how everything works and judge the actual condition of the home itself.
You may even be able to bring the pets along to see how they get along in the yard and neighboring pets. Spending even one night at the homes you consider buying will give you the insight you need to ensure that everything from the appliances and flooring options to the foundation and gardening plots are what you are really looking for in a new home.
Host a Meet and Greet
Hosting a meet-and-greet near the homes you consider purchasing is an excellent way to get to know the neighbors that are living close by and that may very well make up your new community. Plan a potluck or picnic in a park or community center near the neighborhood you're thinking about moving to and invite everyone in the neighboring homes to spend an afternoon getting to know you. Leave invitations in their mailboxes or on their doorsteps, or ask the home seller to contact the neighbors on your behalf. This will give you and the kids a chance to make new friends and connections so it's easier to settle in if you do decide to make a purchase and move into the neighborhood.
Be Present for Inspections
When having a prospective home inspected for things like pests, plumbing, or structural integrity before you consider making an offer, make an effort to be present so you can see for yourself what's being noticed and documented. Attending a plumbing inspection will allow you to get to know the system which can come in handy if you want to make repairs or updates on your own as the new homeowner. Being there for a termite inspection will give you an idea of how much damage has already been done to the home if any. Ask your real estate agent to coordinate inspection dates with days that you are free so you can be part of them.