It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a home for the first time or have gone through the transaction a few times, when it comes to figuring out what you should look for during an initial walk-through, the process gets more complicated. There are so many elements of a property that need to be considered before making an offer, and it’s easy to get caught up in the little details or side-tracked by amenities or upgrades. The secret to successfully finding a home is to narrow down your options in phases. During the first walk-through, focus on the basics.

•    Is there enough room for you and your family now and in the future? You need to think long-term when buying a home. Families can grow, and you need to make sure you have the space needed to accommodate everyone.
•    Is the home’s floor plan appropriate for your family and their needs? You could have a disability, or have an elderly relative who lives with you. Is the layout of the home appropriate for your family’s individual needs? You want to focus on convenience and accessibility for all family members.
•    How’s the storage space? Depending on how much stuff you have, you’re going to need space to store. People who are light on possessions might not need too much closet space or a basement, but those who have acquired more items over the years will need to pay attention to how much room is available for storage.
•    How much will you have to replace? Buying a house is expensive enough without having to worry about replacing all the carpeting, appliances and mechanicals. It’s okay to have to replace a few of these items and may even be necessary if the house is older, but you have to factor in the costs when you make an offer.
•    Is there enough room for your existing furniture? You’d be surprised how many people forget that they need space for their current belongings, particularly furniture. You might have a living room with a gorgeous view, but if your comfortable couch is unable to fit in the space, that poses a bit of a problem.

I’m sure that you’ve noticed a common theme here, and that is space. This is what I like to call “top priority” during an initial walk through. Get a feeling for the home’s size and the spatial capabilities of each room. This will help you narrow the field to properties that will best fit your needs. From there, you can focus on the details.

As an Exclusive Buyer’s Agent in the Columbus area, I make it a priority to keep my clients focused during their home search. I think it’s important that in the beginning, buyers focus on the basics. If a home isn’t going to fit their needs, then they need to pass it by. If you’re interested in finding a home in Columbus or its surrounding communities, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask. I’m here to be your premier guide and resource throughout your entire transaction. I hope to hear from you soon!

Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
www.BuyersHome.com

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