Not everyone is lucky enough to buy a home that meets every single need. Sometimes, the location is perfect, but there’s not enough space. Other times, there are issues with the property that need to be rectified before settling in. If you are in the market for a new place to call home, don’t count out the properties that need a little work. By being flexible, you give yourself a better chance of getting a great deal and you will have more inventory from which to choose.
The Space Race
Three bedrooms. Check. Two-baths. Check. Garage. Not so much. Don’t be afraid to take a look at houses that don’t have all of the space you think you’ll need. This is even more prudent if that extra space is something as simple as a garage or workshop. Fortunately, adding a steel garage or outbuilding is an economical solution to your seemingly unsolvable problem. If your relocation comes on the heels of another significant life change, such as moving your elderly parents in with you, adding a new garage or outbuilding will give you the space to keep their belongings and will ensure you have room to store your own when clutter becomes an issue.
Exterior Upgrades
Maybe the home you’ve chosen is in almost perfect condition but comes with a few major issues, such as a damaged roof. It’s true that adding a new roof is a considerable expense, but you may be able to negotiate a price decrease or cash at closing to help cover the added cost. Before you sign on the dotted line, contact Roofer Chicks® for a quote on storm damage repairs or roof replacement. You might be pleasantly surprised to find you don’t need an entirely new roof, but a few simple repairs. Other areas to pay close attention to include the lawn, chimney, and outdoor recreational equipment, such as a pool or hot tub.
Inner Workings
If you’re purchasing an older home, one thing you may notice is that people in the 70s really loved their wood paneling, whereas homebuilders in the 80s favored textured plaster walls. While a coat of paint can bring dated properties into the 21st century, you might want to replace these materials with drywall. DoItYourself.com explains that this is usually a fairly straightforward if dusty and time-consuming project, and cautions that you will also need to check for termites and moisture damage once the old walls have been removed. Both of these issues require immediate attention, and although there are things you can do to clean minor cases of black mold, it’s probably best to contact a water damage and mold remediation company if you find the issue has spread to more than one area.
Avoiding First-Time Buyer Mistakes
Even seasoned homebuyers get overly excited at the prospect of living in a new place. But if this is your first major purchase, you should know that buying an older home has its pros and cons. One good aspect is that you may be able to stretch your budget, according to Bankrate. However, you may wind up hurting yourself financially if you can’t afford needed home repairs or choose to do them yourself without the knowledge to do it safely and correctly.
The bottom line is that your choice of home does not have to be limited to those that fit your idea of what a house should be. You are not doing yourself any favors by eliminating properties that need additions, upgrades, or repairs, but be smart about it. Call a professional for big issues, and get pricing ahead of time so you don’t wind up in over your head after closing.
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