How To Find The Perfect Home For You And Your Family

Buying a home is very important decision you make in your life, especially when you start a family. There are so many considerations to make, like the location (is it a waterfront land, or something in a suburb?) and whether it close to schools and other amenities, pricing, the size (what sized house will be suitable for your family) and of course the type of housing (is it a villa for sale in Sri Lanka, or a single-family home?) to consider. There are so many different types of housing available right now, that you may need to think long and hard to consider what type will be suited for you and your family.

The different types of housing include:

● Single family homes: This is one of the most popular types of housing to consider, since it comes with its own piece of land and is not attached to any other buildings or structures. You have complete privacy for your family, and the ability to make decisions without it affecting others.

● Condominium: These are located within a secured housing scheme, and are either apartments or houses.

● Apartment or Strata Unit: These are large buildings with several apartments located within them, that are either individually owned or rented.

● Townhouse: These are multi-storeyed homes best suited for large families.

● Container homes: These are built using discarded container boxes which are newly refurbished. They are quite small and compact, but very low cost, and are becoming very popular.

What to consider when searching for the ideal home

With so may options out there, you can sometimes get overwhelmed when looking for a new home or Lanka real estate. Hence it is better to first get a general idea of what you need and want, so that you can shortlist the most suitable properties prior to doing an inspection on them.

● Budget: Carefully consider what the maximum point of your budget for a new home is. Don’t go into the purchasing decision without taking a long hard look at how much you can actually spend. Whether you are going for an outright purchase, or a loan or mortgage, you will still need to take serious consideration of your financial situation before making a decision. Depending on your allocated budget, you can start looking for the ideal living space for you and your family.

● Location: Location is very important when considering your future home. You will want a safe and secure environment to live in, especially if you have children, and also close proximity to schools, shopping areas, public transportation and other amenities.

● Size: The size of home you need will depend on the size of your family. A newly married couple for instance may be happy with a container home or small apartment, however when your family starts growing, you will need to consider a larger home that can accommodate everyone.

● Garden: You need to consider whether you want garden space or not. Some people like to have a but of garden, while others might like a lot of it and would prefer to opt for a larger plot of land or estate. Some more other may not really need the hassle of tending and maintaining a garden, and for those types an apartment would be ideal.

● Mortgaging options: Before considering a home, you should check what mortgaging options are available to you. Bank and other lending institutions may have certain criteria that both you as the borrower and the property will need to be fulfilled. Hence checking these out prior to your search will mean you won’t be wasting any time when you finally do locate the ideal home.

● Property taxes: Certain location may have higher property taxes than others, and it is best to consider these as well prior to choosing the ideal locality.

How to find the perfect home for you and your family

Once you are all set with an idea of what your ideal home should be, you can start the search process. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect piece of real estate.

● Research: There are many online property sites these days operated by realtors where you can search for available houses for sale giving your specific criteria. Don’t just go with one site, but have a look around and do your research well before shortlisting some suitable listings.

● Choose a realtor: While some people may prefer searching for a property to purchase on their own, it can get a little overwhelming after some time. One of the best options is to find a reputable real estate company that can help make your job easier.

● Home inspections: Once you have shortlisted a few properties you should do a personal home inspection, preferably with an expert, in order to check if there are any issues with the house you are interested in.

● Check documents: Purchasing a house is a complex matter, and a very expensive one too. Hence, when you find something that interests you, it is best to check all the legal documentation through a lawyer to ensure that there are no issues such s pending liens, ownership problems etc.

● Make it a family decision: Finally, it is vital that your entire family is agreeable about which house to opt for. After all, they will all be living in it, and it is important that everyone is on the same page.

What to check during a home inspection

When carrying out an inspection of a home you intend to buy, there are several things you should check. These include:

● Roof condition: The roof is a very important part of any house or building and one that can be very expensive to rectify if there are issues down the road after purchasing. You should check with the seller regarding the age of the roof, the materials used, etc, and get a construction expert to check for other problems like damages, termites and similar problems.

● Plumbing: The plumbing of the house should be checked properly to ensure that there are no leaks and breakages, rotting pipes, proper sewerage lines, etc.

● Electricity: An experienced electrician should check if there are any issues with the electricity line such as old and frayed wiring which can cause fires, proper switches etc.

● Water damage and mould: If there is any water damage anywhere in the house, this could lead to mould growth which can cause severe allergic reaction and respiratory issues for some people. In addition, getting rid of mould can be quite expensive.

● Nosie levels: A home is a place where you come to relax and unwind, and as such should be located in a serene environment. When choosing a property make sure that you check whether it is located near a major roadway which has lots of traffic, is near a railroad track or airport, is near a factory etc.

● Foundation and exterior: The foundation of the house should be checked for stability, cracks and damages, sinking, sloping etc, and check the exterior walls etc for tell-tale signs of damages like hairline cracks, which may turn into much bigger issues later on.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can easily find the perfect home for you and your family to live in!