Because Albuquerque home inventory is low, some buyers might panic and buy before they are ready, which means they might end up with a home that isn't right for them. You should take your time when searching for a home. Your patience might lead you to miss out on a few homes, but you'll be glad you did. Take your time and think about what you want. Here are a few questions you'll want to ask to make sure you don't miss any details.
Is there room for your pets?
Make sure there’s plenty of space for your animals and their things. This might seem like something you don’t need to think about but if you move in and don’t have space for their food bowl you’ll always be tripping over them. You’ll want to make sure the house you choose has enough room for Fido.
Where are you keeping the trash can?
Again this is one of those small details that will drive you crazy after you move in. While it won’t be enough to drive you out of the house it’s still worth noting. You may have to choose between several homes and it can easily come down to the details.
Which direction does it face?
While a west facing home is great for watching sunsets but you’ll likely have to have the AC running full blast April through August.
Where are all the structural walls?
If you’re planning on adding a room or knocking down walls it would be wise to have an engineer make sure any walls you want to knock won’t cause the house to collapse if you take them down.
Is the pantry big enough?
A small pantry isn’t a problem that’s easily fixed through renovations so make sure it’s got enough room for storing the food you and your family will need.
What condition are the floors in?
Check the floors very carefully. Replacing flooring is a very expensive and time consuming project. Even if they pass inspection they might not suit your tastes. Remember you’ll have to live with it or replace it yourself.
Where is the closest supermarket?
If location is one of your priorities and the home you want is in the woods or over the mountain you’ll have to compromise easy access to shopping and gas. You might start to get frustrated with the long drives into town after the excitement of the new house wears off.
Is there a Home Owners Association?
This is an important question if you’re planning on changing the outward appearance of your home or lawn. HOAs have policies and regulations that will restrict what you’re able to do.
How are the local schools?
Even if you don’t have any kids a good school district is important towards home values. Pay close attention to possible rezoning as it happens often in growing areas.
How are the acoustics?
Pay attention to how sound moves through the house. If there’s a big echo from the upstairs loft think of how it will sound through the whole house if your kids are playing.
Do you have the right wiring?
If you’re looking at an older home you may not have the wiring needed to accommodate all the newest technology. Check it before you buy so you can be sure you can use the proper appliances in your home.
Is the yard the right size?
If your yard is too small you won’t be able to enjoy it with your family, but if it’s too big you’ll spend more than you need to in its upkeep.
What are the neighbors like?
Are there a lot of young couples in the neighborhood or are you seeing older couples? Get a feel for the neighborhood and see if it will be a good match for you.
Have you checked for sex offenders?
As grim as it sounds you should always check a new neighborhood for registered sex offenders.
Have you scheduled an inspection?
While you might be tempted to buy the home as is, taking the extra time to have an inspection done will weed out any major issues the home might have that you would’ve had to fix yourself down the line. If you are ready to start your search for a home contact The Sandi Pressley Team today.
HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!
1632 BORREGO Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Welcome home to this Almost-New Townhome in the heart of Volterra Village! This precious LGI home features a beautiful kitchen with gas range, granite countertops, pantry and plenty of counter space, plus a water softener and reverse osmosis system! The open floorplan downstairs features a well-sized living area, dining area plus a convenient half bath. Enjoy the mountain views from your backyard with a covered patio and easy-to-maintain xeriscaping plus gorgeous views off the master bedroom balcony. WIth a 2-car garage, 3 bedrooms, and 2 1/2 baths, this has everything you need. For easy living, with close access to I-40, shopping, and Kirkland AFB, make this one home today.
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Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.
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