When searching for a home, there are many factors to consider. While the home’s price and market value are important, other features of the home — such as whether the property has a large backyard, updated kitchen appliances, and a modern dual-zone mini split heating and cooling system and is located in a good neighborhood — make a big difference in your decision to make the purchase or pass on the property.

The amenities of a house affect your everyday life in the home, so it is vital that you consider these features when you go property hunting. Here are the important amenities to consider before buying a property to ensure that you end up in the perfect house that feels like home.

Interior Materials and Finishes

The materials and finishes inside a potential home are a big part of what drives your decision to buy. Consider the material that your countertops are made from. Granite, marble, wood, and concrete offer different benefits and require different methods of upkeep.

Check the quality of the hardware and fixtures and whether they are made of durable materials like stainless steel, brass, or copper. Look at the walls, doors, and ceilings to determine if they are in good shape and whether or not you’d have to remodel in the future.

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Kitchen Appliances

Amenities in the kitchen are important because most people spend a significant amount of time in this room. Check out the kitchen appliances. Are they new or old? Do they work properly? Do they visually align with the aesthetic of the rest of the home? Are they built-in or freestanding?

Also, consider appliances that the previous homeowners have added. Old appliances can be unsightly, but they can also pose a fire hazard to your home. Ensure that any appliances that come with the house function properly and are not under recall.

You should also consider other kitchen features like food prep space and storage. Kitchen islands can significantly increase the surface area in the kitchen and double as a dining space. Deep drawers provide better organization, access, and functionality than conventional cabinets.

Outdoor Areas

The outdoor areas of a potential home are extremely important to consider. Look at the front and back yards and decide whether or not they are a good size for you and your family. If you plan to add a swing set or pool, make sure your yard can accommodate it.

Think about yard and garden maintenance. Do you have time to mow a large yard or will you need to pay someone to do it?

Neighborhood

The neighborhood your potential home is located in is a major decision-making factor in the homebuying process. Assess what the neighborhood looks like and whether there are homeowners association fees for living in the area. If you have children, look at local schools and nearby parks.

Explore the area to discover how close grocery stores and entertainment and shopping centers are to your future home. Also, determine the proximity of your neighborhood to major roads and highways if you will be commuting to work each day. Each of these elements can affect your quality of life.

Bathroom Fixtures

Important amenities to consider are the bathroom fixtures in the home. If you are looking at older homes, you may find an aged sink, toilet, or shower fixture that looks outdated and doesn’t work right. This can cause leaks that damage the structure of the home. If you don’t mind a little remodeling, then a house with older bathroom fixtures can be a cost-effective way to purchase a home; however, if you want a move-in-ready home, look for updated bathrooms with newer fixtures.

Heating and Cooling System

Every home has a heating and cooling system to keep the home’s temperature comfortable and livable. Many homes feature a central HVAC system, which creates huge energy bills. When you view potential homes, take a look at the HVAC system. If you don’t want to deal with the cost of running and maintaining a central HVAC system, an affordable, efficient multi zone mini split AC is the way to go. This type of amenity allows you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without the hassle and cost of a traditional central system.

The Layout of the House

Pay attention to the layout of the house. New homes feature spacious, open floor plans that allow seamless movement from one area of the home to another. Older homes can be more closed off and often have half-walls and spindled areas that appear outdated. When you walk into a home, notice how space feels and how the home is laid out. In addition to the layout, take into consideration how many rooms the home contains. Note the number of bathrooms, the levels of the home, and the stairs needed to get from one level to another.

List Your Deal Breakers

As you view potential properties and assess the amenities they offer, it is a good idea to make a list of the features that are of top priority to you. You might enjoy several amenities, but it is important to decide on your deal breaker features so you don’t end up in a home that costs too much or has features you liked but don’t need.

If you are moving from an apartment like Austin apartments or urban home to a suburban home with a large yard, it is good to consider these elements that you may not be familiar with from city living.

Before you head out to view potential homes, jot down a list of the top five features you can’t live without. These should be features that you know you must have in your future home. Use it to help guide you on your house hunting quest.

Despite making a helpful list, you may run into a situation where you find a home that has all but one of your deal breakers. Instead of turning the home away, consider alternatives to determine if you might add an amenity yourself that makes the home perfect. For instance, many people consider a central HVAC system to be a deal breaker and forgo wonderful homes that don’t have this feature. A mini split AC is a cost-effective solution that can allow you to buy your perfect home even if it didn’t meet all the criteria on your list.

Start House Hunting

Searching for your dream home is exciting. When you visit potential homes, look at the materials and finishes in each room, check out the heating and cooling systems, and get a feel for the home’s layout to see if it’s right for you. Once you know what you are looking for, you can decide right away if a house is right for you. Get out there and start house hunting because you’re sure to discover the house that is a perfect fit for you and your family.