Congratulations! You’ve found a house with everything you want, and you’re ready to sign on the dotted line. But before you do, we’ve got tips to ensure it’s the perfect house. 

There’s a reason they say, location, location, location. Even if the home has everything you ever wanted, the surrounding area and amenities can make a huge difference in how happy you’ll be in the long run. Consider these three things before you make an offer on a property.

1. Test Out Your Commute 

Doing a test run to and from work lets you know exactly how long your commute will be from your new digs. Do it during your normal work hours to get a clear picture of how much traffic you’ll face and how long your commute will be every day. Before deciding where you want to live, consider the importance of convenience and accessibility, and you won’t spend hours stuck in horrible traffic five days a week.

Although it’s not always as accurate, and we still recommend doing this in person, Google Maps allows you to select a specific time to leave a location on route to your destination. It considers average traffic conditions for that time of day; this is a great tool to give you a general idea.

2. Check Out the Community

Checking out the neighbourhood should start with an online search of the street name to see if it comes up in news articles before checking out the local amenities. 

Go for a walk in the local park and visit the closest plaza to ensure the essentials you want are nearby. Whether this means a good salon, a pet groomer, or your preferred pharmacy, everyone has their version of necessities.  

Something you may not think of doing is meeting the neighbours, but there’s no telling what you’ll find out from talking to people. It will not only give you an idea if you’ll be compatible, but the neighbours can give you details about what it’s like living in the community. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they do and don’t like about living there. Buying a home is a big commitment. Taking the time for a ten-minute conversation could save you from making a costly mistake.

Here’s a tip that you MUST do after getting the keys to your new house.

3. Check out the Schools and the School Ratings

Whether or not you have children, you should research the local schools and school ratings. There is a direct correlation between school districts and home values because good schools indicate a good neighbourhood. If you’re buying a home, selling may be the last thing on your mind, but plans can change. Ensuring your home is in a good school district is one of the most reliable ways to ensure you get a good resale value for your home.

For more information about buying a home, call KT Realty at 1 (800) 617-0090.