Before buying or renting a new apartment, townhouse, combo, or home, you should first check out the features that really matter to you. Having these features will not only give you a comfortable stay in your new home, but it will also give you some much-needed satisfaction.
In most cases, people consider location and cost when looking for a place to rent or buy. However, it should take more than just that, particularly if you’re looking for a place to stay long term. Here is a look at some of the features that mostly matter when it comes to renting or buying a house.
Indoor Facilities
You probably want to have a living space where everything is designed to suit your preference and style. You also want a house in which you can find every amenity you need for a comfortable stay.
That said, look for indoor facilities such as the design and number of bathrooms, number and size of bedrooms, types of closets available, entertainment facilities, kitchen design, available appliances, and HVAC systems. The design of the house, in general, should also be considered if that matters to you.
If you’re working from home, you’ll want to have a home office away from distractions and family. If the home you’re considering doesn’t have an office, you can always convert an extra bedroom or the basement into an office. If possible, look for a home with an office or room that has natural light coming in. Natural light promotes focus and boosts your mood.
Outdoor Amenities
You won’t be spending all your time indoors. As such, you want to rent or buy a place where you will have a good feeling sitting in the yard and gazing at the sunset on the horizon. Keeping this in mind, look for outdoor amenities that matter, including, among others, swimming pools, well-landscaped gardens, and kids’ facilities such as trampolines. If you’re near a coast, the closer you are to the water, science says, the happier you are. And not only happier, but healthier with lowered stress and anxiety levels, and a lower heart and breathing rate.
Nearby Amenities
Around your home, you should also be able to access important sites where you can spend your time. When moving to a new place, you need to find a place where you can shop, relax, work out, watch a movie, buy coffee, and even take your kids for a fun day. Therefore, look out for important establishments such as gyms, grocery stores, coffee shops, laundry areas, hospitals, drugstores, and schools.
You should also check out recreational facilities such as parks, gardens, lakes, museums, resorts, beaches, and bike trails. Proximity to important places as well as accessibility to these points is also important. For instance, if you want to reach the nearest airport, you should be able to do so without having to pass through the woods.
Should You Buy or Rent?
The question of whether you should rent or buy a home all comes down to your preference as well as your financial position. For instance, if you can afford to buy a house without having to take a mortgage, then buying a house would be a great option. Even so, it still won’t hurt to purchase your dream house with the help of a mortgage.
Take note that when taking a mortgage, your debt-to-income ratio will greatly determine whether the lender agrees to fund you or not. More specifically, the lender will use this ratio to determine how much you will be paying every month. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, simply divide your current monthly debt obligations by your gross monthly income. You will also be able to determine your home equity as you repay your mortgage.
Looking for a house to rent or buy doesn’t have to be difficult. Provided you know exactly what you’re looking for in a property, it won’t be long before you get just that. Hiring a real estate agent with a thorough knowledge of the area can be your best asset when it comes to house-hunting.