Buying a Home for the First Time
Are you buying a home for the first time? Well, you have come to the right place. We have been in your shoes. Moreover, we understand the excitement (and stress) that comes along with buying a home. So, what should you focus on first? It’s time to get out your pen and paper – this month, we have lots of great tips for you. As a first-time homebuyer, you will be feeling like an expert. Buying a home for the first time doesn’t have to be hard. Therefore, let’s start with a few basics.
3 Things to do Before Buying a Home
Before we get into the details of what to do once you find your dream home, there are a few key details you should cover. While shopping for your first home can be exciting, you must not be impulsive. So, remember these 3 things:
- Find a real estate agent you can trust. Keep in mind; you will be working alongside this person. Make it a goal to find someone who you can trust and who listens to your wants/needs. Remember, this is your home. Not to mention, it is a significant investment. Don’t go unheard!
- Next, research the area. This is especially essential if you are from out of town. Sometimes, you can find the perfect house in the wrong neighborhood and vice versa. So, ask around! You’d be surprised how much information you find out. It could make or break your purchase, so don’t skip this step.
- Lastly, don’t go big or go home. Just because you are approved for a specific amount, doesn’t mean you should spend it all. It would help if you thought about the other costs as well. For instance, maybe you want to upgrade a few rooms? Or, maybe add in some smart features? Houses are everchanging. Don’t forget to factor these costs in.
Home Inspection
If you have gotten to this step, it means you have found a home. Congrats! However, the journey isn’t over yet. Now, it is time to pass the home inspection. Unfortunately, some issues lie beneath the surface. During the inspection, they will look at all the structural components. This includes things like floors, doors, windows, and attics. However, it does not include aspects such as electrical or plumbing. Or, HVAC for that matter.
Here are a few things that home inspection does NOT cover:
- Electrical Issues
- Plumbing Issues
- Roof Leaks
- Asbestos or Mould
- Swimming Pools
- Pests
It is crucial to find out if there are any pests known to your intended area. Some places are prone to things like termites. Don’t get stuck not knowing.
HVAC Considerations When Buying a Home
If you passed the home inspection, you might be running to pick out paint colours. Paint can be expensive! Yet, you may want to think about the HVAC in your home before you start spending. Let’s say you found some minor problems with plumbing, electrical or HVAC – then you should fix that first. Many first time home buyers are quick to push that aside. However, they are creating more significant problems down the road. Your designer couch can wait!
To start, find out about the age and maintenance of the current HVAC. For example, how old is it? AC units have a lifespan of 8-10 years, and your furnace should last 10-15. So, depending on the age of the home, the HVAC may have never been replaced. If your HVAC is pushing towards expiration, it’s time to think about upgrading.
Did you know that upgrading your system could save you money? New HVAC is designed to work better, faster, and cost less. Therefore, investing now will be worth it for the future. However, it’s crucial to consult a professional. Don’t go by Energy Star alone. Not all homes are made the same. Therefore, you need to find the perfect one for YOUR home.
At ATN Mechanical, we train our staff to provide the best customer service possible. What does that mean for you? It means we can come to your home to work with you to find the perfect HVAC. Additionally, we are always up to date on current technology to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for whole-home automation or just a smart thermostat; We are here to help! Give us a call to schedule your in-home assessment today.
Home Improvement Tips
As we mentioned, buying a home for the first time is stressful. Yet, in the end, it pays off. If you just bought your first home, we are excited for you. Now, it’s time to do some sprucing up. We have a few ideas to get you started. Plus, these things will add value to your home.
Flooring
While the flooring may not be a deal-breaker during a sale – it should be a consideration afterwards. Do you have beautiful hardwood in your new home? Restore it! Real hardwood is always in demand. It’s a classic! Similarly, choose a hearty tile for rooms such as the bathroom. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to hire someone. As with all DIY renovations, it can lead to more headaches in the long run. Save yourself the time, and money. If you are local to Kitchener/Waterloo, check out Source Flooring for some great deals.
Kitchen/Bathroom Upgrades
After you have finished with the floors, you can move on to making cosmetic changes. You can start to think about minor fixes such as new cabinets, vanities, or even just hardware. But first, check out things like ventilation and lighting. As always, deal with the bigger tasks first. Then, you can feel comfortable about moving on. Sometimes the smallest changes can make big differences. So, keep an open mind and work within your budget.
Landscaping
Landscaping might seem like a no-brainer to you. But, there is more planning than you think. However, if you plan it right, you won’t have a ton of maintenance each year. Choose landscaping that is not only easy to maintain, but also returns each year. These are called perennials. It’s easier than you think. Check out Low-Maintenance Plants for Easy Landscaping from DIY Network for more ideas.
Whether you are a new homeowner already, or you are just starting out to look for your new home, we can’t stress enough to make sure you look at all aspects of the home before making your final decision. If you have any questions at all about HVAC, please give us a call!
