The home search can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming stages of the homebuying process, especially for first-time homebuyers. To help you find your dream home, use this checklist chock full of questions to ask yourself, so you'll know exactly what to look for when buying a house.
1) Where do you want to live?
Location is the one thing you can't change about your home, so choosing an area that fits your aesthetic, lifestyle, and budget is essential.
Let your real estate agent know about your location priorities before starting the search. They may be able to suggest neighborhoods you've overlooked or let you know the pros and cons of an area where you're searching. Also, location is important if you’re considering taking advantage of a first-time homebuyer program; there are many programs specifically for people who buy in a particular city or area.
2) What are you looking for in your community?
Even if you find the perfect home, it's important that you're in the right community. Of course, everyone's desired community attributes are different based on their needs. Identify what yours are as you narrow down the location for your home search. Here are some common questions to ask yourself:
- What are the restaurant and entertainment options?
- Is there nightlife?
- Are there parks nearby?
- What school district is it in?
- What is the proximity to the downtown area?
3) How much house can you afford?
One of the biggest mistakes a first-time homebuyer can make is getting attached to a home only to realize they can't afford it. Get your budget in order before beginning your home search. First, determine your price range. Then, narrow down cities and neighborhoods with homes that fall within your budget. You’ll also want to ensure you’re pre-approved with your mortgage lender. The Redfin Home Affordability Calculator can help you answer these questions and take the next steps toward purchasing – plus, it's easy to use.
First, open the calculator. Enter your annual household income, current debt, and estimated down payment. If you're planning on selling your existing home, enter that information as well. Then, type in where you're looking to move – for example, Austin, TX.
Get pre-approved and secure your dream home
Work with a lender to find the right loan for the home you love.
The Redfin Home Affordability Calculator can help you answer these questions and take the next steps toward purchasing – plus, it's easy to use.
First, open the calculator. Enter your annual household income, current debt, and estimated down payment. If you're planning on selling your existing home, enter that information as well. Then, type in where you're looking to move – for example, Austin, TX.
The tool will display what you can afford depending on your desired debt-to-income ratio. The slider changes the price of a potential home given your income, down payment, and debts. You can move the slider to see how much home you can potentially afford.
The calculator automatically calculates the monthly mortgage payment and debt-to-income ratio based on a 30-year fixed mortgage. To change the mortgage type, rate, and other fees, select "Advanced Options." You can change the homeowner's insurance and private mortgage insurance rates here as well.
4) What are your needs vs. wants?
Make a list of your needs and wants; knowing what to look for when buying a house is easier once you've decided what's important to you. Understanding what's essential and what you can compromise on is a vital homebuying step. If a home has only a couple of your needs, you should likely continue looking.
You may want an updated kitchen or designated laundry room, but is it a need? Keep in mind that if this is your first home, you'll likely be able to make updates and changes or eventually upgrade to a home with more features on your list.
5) What size and style of home are you looking for?
Now that you have a list of needs and wants, organize them into four categories: style, exterior, interior, and appliances/HVAC. If you’re touring homes, take note of anything to make a future home inspection easier. This list will help you narrow down your search.
Style
House styles are important; they define the aesthetic of your home. Think about what you want your house to look like from afar. Do you want a bright, Mediterranean-style home with a clay roof and distressed walls? Or do you want a sleek, modern-style house with a flat roof and minimalist aesthetic? The style of a house can play a significant role in your decision-making process.
Exterior
Consider the landscaping, quality of the roofing, and amount of outdoor space. If you're touring a potential property, take note of anything that seems broken or in disrepair, plus any opportunities for renovation. What is the condition of the yard? What about the garden and fencing? Is there a swimming pool? Exterior features can affect your lifestyle and how you maintain the outside of your home, so keep that in mind as you consider each property.
Interior
You will likely spend most of your time inside your home, so finding what you're looking for is essential. How many bedrooms are there? What about bathrooms? Is there a garage, basement, or attic? Consider the layout of the house as well. Does it fit your lifestyle? If you're touring homes, pay close attention to how you're feeling as you walk through them and note anything that needs fixing.
Appliances/HVAC
Appliances are expensive and can take months to replace, and HVAC systems generally require professional installation and maintenance. If you live in a state that requires heating and cooling systems, ensure they work properly.Take note of the condition of the appliances, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
6) What will your commute look like?
Location is important. Is the home close to public transit or freeways? How far is your commute to work or the grocery store? Luckily, you can search for average commute times on Redfin.com.
First, select the house you're interested in from the Redfin website – for example, let’s use a home for sale in Portland, OR. On the listing's page, scroll down to the embedded map. Below the map is the commute calculator tool.
Click “Add a Commute” and search for any location you want to calculate a travel time from. For example, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Click “Calculate Commute” and the average commute time will populate.
To search for another location, select “Options” and click either “Edit” or “Delete.” Then, simply add another location.
7) What are your deal breakers?
As you begin your search in person, make a list of your deal-breakers. Similar to your needs, these are qualities that are very important to you. Maybe you're a light sleeper and can't be near a busy street, or perhaps you're sensitive to smells and can't be near a waste facility.
Think carefully before compromising on your deal-breakers, especially those you can't change once you move in. However, keeping an open mind can help you find homes in your price range that you may not have considered.Remaining flexible and thoughtful about your options is key to finding a home that's right for you.
8) Will the home have good resale value?
Keep in mind how long you'll spend in your home and how much you may get for it when you sell. Look at what nearby homes have sold for recently - also known as real estate comps. Most buyers spend less than ten years in their first home, and some as few as two or three. Many factors can affect your home's value, including new commercial development, proximity to industrial facilities, nearby freeways and arterials, and climate change risk.
9) Is the home in a flood zone?
As flooding becomes more common, it's crucial to understand if your home is in a flood zone. Homes in high-risk flood zones require flood insurance not typically included in homeowners insurance. They may also cost more upfront, depending on the flood risk.
10) Is the home in a good school district?
For many people, school districts can be the deciding factor when searching for a home. Do your homework if you're searching for a home near a good school district. Visit nearby schools and talk with the administrators about their education and programs. Even if you don't have kids, high-quality schools may drive up the prices of nearby homes, affecting their resale value.
11) What are the average property taxes of the home?
Property Taxes are calculated by the local government and vary depending on the value and size of the property. Not all jurisdictions require property tax, and many have exemptions for specific individuals.
When searching for a home, do your research to see how much its property tax will cost. To find how much you will pay for a home's property tax, go to any listing on Redfin.com.
First, enter the area where you're searching for homes – for example, Nashville, TN. Then, select the house you're interested in and scroll down to the Payment Calculator tool. Here, you can find all the financial information you need, including property tax, mortgage rates, and HOA dues.
12) Is the home part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA)?
If the property or home you're looking for falls within a Homeowner's Association (HOA), take the time to learn it. Ask about fees, the governing body, easements, and the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Don't overlook any rules or regulations, as these can lead to fines or other penalties.
Some other common questions to ask an HOA are:
- How do I pay fees?
- What are the fines per violation?
- How are board members elected?
- Do you enforce parking policies?
- How many pets can I own?
- Can I convert my garage?
- How tall can my fence be?
- Are there any dates I need to be aware of?
Be as particular as possible and take notes to ensure you remember everything important.
13) Is the home move-in ready or a fixer-upper?
You'll likely come across two types of homes during your search: move-in ready and fixer-upper. Move-in ready (also called turnkey) homes are new, close-to new, or recently renovated houses that are move-in ready and don't require repairs or renovation. This type of house is usually more expensive and desirable.
If you're a first-time homebuyer who has never taken on a home project, steer clear of a home in disrepair, often called a fixer-upper. Home renovations can be stressful and expensive and can delay your move-in by long periods. Also, renovations don't always provide a 100% return on investment. Unless you have a large amount of money, time, and energy, a fixer-upper can be a risky investment.
Begin your home search online
Home search sites and apps like Redfin offer plenty of options for finding homes that meet your needs. You can search by neighborhood, city, or zip code, then filter the results by price range and characteristics like property type, square footage, and more.
Although filters and keywords can help narrow your search, it's a good idea not to get too specific about certain features. Your dream home may not appear if a seller's agent forgot to include information about the fireplace, hardwood floors, or a particular appliance in the home's description. Keeping your search more general helps you find more homes.
Final thoughts: what to look for when buying a house
Finding the right home can be a long but rewarding process. As you search for homes, learn more about your needs and the homes available to you as you go. Keep these questions handy, and get expert guidance from a trusted real estate agent who can help you find a home that's right for you. In the end, discovering your ideal home can be a profoundly fulfilling experience.