What Features Should You Look for in an Edmonton Home?

Posted by EdmontonRealEstate .ca on Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 at 1:04pm.

Features to Look For When Buying a HomeEvery home is different, and not all homes are created equally. Depending on the features you want when you're looking for a new home, different homes may rank higher or lower on your home-buying wishlist. Here are some features to look for when purchasing a new Edmonton home.

What Features Should You Look For in an Edmonton Home?

The problem with buying a home in Edmonton is that there are just so many properties to choose from. Townhouses, row houses, semi-detached homes, condos, bungalows and even mobile homes - and we haven't even begun to consider the different features yet. Read on to get a handle on the Edmonton real estate landscape.

House Features

Any good-looking Edmonton house can entice even the cheesiest of buyers. However, there is more to explore than just the façade of the home. Experts say the attic is the best place to check the history of any house. It's a bit of a pain, but it's worthwhile climbing into the attic to check if any repairs or renovations have been done. If an old house has a basement, be sure to go down and look for flood marks. You will also need to check on the electrical and plumbing systems, although for this, you will probably need to get an expert to help you.

Landscape

Be wary of buying a home that has trees located close to its exterior walls. Experts advise that there should be at least a 12-inch barrier between such features and the foundations of the home. Soil erosion can affect the foundations, thus making the property prone to damage. Even innocent looking old trees can affect the foundations. Roots can creep under the house and cause serious damage. If you aren't confident enough, better get a home inspector to check for you.

Neighborhood

Whether you're with kids or not, it's important to research the neighborhood where the property is located. Look at the current crime statistics in the area. Read the local newspapers and try to get a feel for the community, and walk around the neighborhood and see if you can chat to one or two locals see how they like living there.

Proximity To Major Roads Services

Consider carefully what amenities you can't do without. Ideally, the home you buy should be close to, or have easy access to, a hospital, a police station, a supermarket, and (if you have kids) a school. If you don't have a car, then you also want to consider public transport – are there any bus stations nearby? For those who do have cars meanwhile, what's the traffic situation like?

It's a challenge to find the best house for you and your loved ones. But as long as you know what you're looking for, it won't take long to find something that ideal. Edmonton is full of gorgeous homes just waiting to be discovered!

Things You Should Ignore When Shopping for a New Home

Shopping for a home can be very tricky. Many real estate agents use stagers to make the homes look as good as possible. This just makes sense because they want to present the home at its best. However, it's a bit different from the buyer's perspective.

There are certain things you may want to change about the home, regardless of how great they look. When shopping for a home, you should ignore the following things:

Window Coverings or Curtains

These many not even be included with the home. The seller may take the window coverings and curtains with them. Regardless, you will probably want to replace them with a set you like better, anyway.

Wallpaper

If the home has wallpaper and you don't care for it, remember, it can be replaced. Yes, it's more difficult than just painting over t, but it can still be taken down and replaced with something else.

Paint

The color and type of paint used should never matter when buying a home. If you plan to live in the home for an extended amount of time, you will probably repaint the interior walls, anyway. You have your own taste and paint is one of the easiest and least expensive things to replace.

Appliances

When shopping for a home it's important to remember, the appliances have a lifespan. They will wear out and need replaces. If you think the appliances are ugly, keep in mind, they can be replaced.

Furniture

The furniture won't be yours, in most cases. However, if you get caught up on how it makes the house look, you may miss out on a great home. Remember, it was the previous owner that chose the furniture and you will be able to furnish the home however you please.

These are just a few of the things you should ignore when shopping for a new home. Anything you can easily replace, change or won't be included in the sale, should be ignored.

How Many Homes Do You Need To See Before You Buy?

How many homes should you look at before making a decision is a pretty common question home buyers tend to ask. This is especially true for someone who is buying a home for the first time. The truth is – there is a lot more to consider than just the homes you look at. But, you are on the right track with assuming just looking at one or two before you buy is a bad idea.

Keep Your Options Open

In general, it is a good idea to look at five or ten homes that are within the range of what you are looking for before making a decision. You want to avoid looking at too many homes, but you want to make sure you have given yourself a chance to make a decision with enough information in hand. You do not want to buy a home only to find out there was a better home at a cheaper price down the street.

Get Your Checklist

You should quickly create a checklist of what you need your home to have. This should include the size of the rooms, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and anything else you need the house to have or want the house to not have.

In fact, having a second checklist of items you do not want your house to have is often a pretty good idea too. It will make not wasting your time looking at ones that are not going to meet your needs easier to do.

There is no magic number when it comes to how many houses you need to see before you make a purchasing decision. It is never a good idea to only look at a couple, and it is never a good idea to look at to many either. Find a number that feels good to you and go with it.

How Do You Know You've Found The Right Home?

It's hard as a first time home buyer to know if the home they purchase is truly right for them. There are a few things that you can ask yourself when buying a home, and these will help you determine if your home is a true fit.

You should never allow anyone, including the real estate agent, to persuade you into purchasing a home. Also, you will already know if the home is right for you. Last, but not least, you will not want to rush your decision. Buying a home is a commitment, therefore take some time to really consider all the pros and cons.

Sleep On It

If your gut is telling you to buy the home, than it is more than likely the right home for you. However, it is always best not to jump the gun. This is why you will want to take time before placing a bid.

Remember, there are hundreds of other buyers, and they could potentially place a bid on the home you are considering. It is not the end of the world if you are too late placing your bid, and another individual buys the home. There are plenty of homes on the market, you are sure to find another to suit your lifestyle.

Here are ten ways to know if you have found the home for you.

  • You see the home, and instantly want to walk through it.
  • You are taken away when you do a walk through of the home.
  • The bathroom gives you a good vibe.
  • You want to act on the home.
  • You can see your possessions within the home.
  • You begin seeing yourself customizing the home with your favourite paint colours.
  • All of your daily needs are satisfied with the home offerings.
  • You no longer have the desire to view other homes.
  • You are excited to talk about the home to your family and friends.
  • When you envision the home, all you want is to place a bid and make it yours.

When buying a home, there are a number of considerations to go over before making a final decision. Speak with your real estate agent to ensure you are considering the best features of the home without getting distracted by any superficial elements.

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