Top 10 Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Home

1. Location
Look for a home in a desirable neighborhood. Consider things like commute time, schools, and available stores in your area. How does rain affect the environment around you? Rainfall is uncommon in Aruba, but it can wreak havoc on local roads and homes.

2. Size

Think about how much space you will need and what kind of layout you are looking for. Make sure to measure the rooms to get an idea of the size. Consider how many people you'll be living with in the future, are you anticipating having another baby? Or maybe a parent is going to live with you permanently?

3. Renovations

If you are looking for a fixer-upper, make sure to check the home thoroughly for asbestos, crooked walls, or other hazardous materials that could cost a lot of money to remove or repair. If you want a completely renovated place, consider what needs to be done and how much it will cost to complete the renovation.

4. Price

Think about how much money you can spend, which includes renovating the home if necessary. Try to negotiate a better price with the realtor or seller because they are in possession of your dream home. Many individuals overlook the fact that they must furnish their new house to their liking, therefore bear this in mind when planning your budget.

5. Lighting

Make sure the home has adequate lighting in every room, especially if you spend a lot of time inside doing a lot of reading or homework. It is also important to make sure there are no dark corners and hallways that need constant lighting. Lighting your home during the day can significantly raise your electricity expense if you don't have enough natural light.

6. Security

Check for first-rate security systems like alarm systems and cameras. If you have children, you will want to make sure the home is safe for them to live in. When moving in, consider changing all of the locks and keys and security system passwords. You have no way of knowing how many people had access to the house before you.

7. Parking

If you have a lot of cars, see if there's enough parking available on the property or on the street in front of your home without inconveniencing your neighbors. There's no need to start conflicts with your neighbors over something as basic as parking.

8. Maintenance

Think about how much time and money you are willing to spend on maintenance each month. Homes require regular upkeep, like painting and yard work. Remember to include these expenditures into your monthly budget, as well as your mortgage.

9. Monthly bills

Think about how much you are willing to spend on monthly bills each month, which will depend on the size of the home and how well it is insulated. Considerations include, but are not limited to, indoor lighting, outdoor lighting, appliance efficiency, and maintaining your garden.

10. Privacy

Think about what kind of privacy you want from your neighbors and if they will create any problems for you due to noise or other nuisances that could affect your quality of life in such close proximity together. Do you have a fence? Do you need to build one? Can people see into your yard? Can you see them? If you can hear them, they can also hear you.

When considering purchasing a home, it is important to take many factors into account in order to make the best decision for your individual needs. By evaluating all of the different aspects of potential homes, you can be sure that you are making the smartest investment and will be living in a place that meets all of your needs. Whether you are looking for plenty of extra space, easy access to and from work, or a low-maintenance property, there is surely a perfect home out there for you. Just keep these 10 things in mind when shopping around!

If you are serious about buying your dream home, Aruba Bank's Mortgage Advising Specialist can guide you through the whole process.