You’re ready for that new house. It might be that your current home isn’t what your family needs, or your family has decided to take the leap into homeownership for the first time. Whatever it may be, it is always good to see what options are available. It is important to be able to find what will be best for you and your family’s needs, both now, and in the future.
Community
When looking for a home, one of the most important factors to consider is the community you want to live in.
Some important questions to answer when looking into a community are:
What kind of community is it? Is it older or newer? Is it a themed or lake community? What kind of parks and recreation areas are available? Are there associated fees with the lake or other community features? Is there a homeowners association? How long is the commute to work or school from this community? Are there schools nearby, and if so, what types?
It may be important to inquire about what kind of public transportation is available, so be sure to look into what routes the community will be serviced by. Other amenities like shopping locations are also an important consideration, as you might want to have a drugstore or grocery store nearby. It might sound like a lot of questions to ask, but they will help you decide what area is best for your family to live in.
Home essentials
Once you have the communities you like narrowed down, it’s key to decide what features you need and want in your home. Making a list can be a big help.
Some more questions to have in mind when looking for a home are:
• What size of home are you looking for?
• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
• What type of house do you want: Townhouse, laned or front attached?
• Do you need a garage?
• Do you want a developed basement?
• Do you need space for when guests visit?
Consider how your home is going to work in the long-term as well. Your kids might share a room now, but will they need their own space in the future? Do you anticipate your family becoming bigger? You might want to factor in an extra bedroom that you might not need now. Your children might be studying and playing in the kitchen, but they could also need a more designated place, so a playroom could be something to keep in mind. If you or a family member has mobility issues now or in the future, think about the stairs and how they can be adapted down the line.
Home state and functionality
You’ve got your list of ‘must-haves’ so now it’s all about finding a home that works best. If considering a resale home, floorplans are typically more traditional, with rooms that are more designated in their function: Kitchen, dining room and living room. New homes often have a contemporary design with floorplans that have a more open concept design, with flexible rooms that make family time and entertaining easier.
Resale homes can also be in varying levels of repair. If this is the route you choose, when you visit them, use the house like you would on an average day: Flush the toilets; check the water flow in the sinks and showers; turn lights on and off; open and close all of the cupboards, drawers and closets; act out cooking a meal; even put your cars in the garage to see how they fit. You will get a great idea of how the house would work in your everyday life, as well as know if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
A new home doesn’t have the wear and tear that an older home might have. They are also covered by a mandatory two-year warranty through the Alberta New Home Warranty Program. You can customize floorplans to suit your needs. Visiting builder showhomes and websites are great ways to see what floorplans are available. In many cases, you can pick the floorplan you prefer, make changes and choose your interior selections - from paint to counters to cabinetry.
Buying a home can be one of the toughest decisions you will ever make, whether purchasing used or new. However, if you stay organized and answer as many of your questions as you can, it can help you and your family live happier in your new abode.
To see why Stepper Custom Homes is Calgary’s family home builder, contact Stepper Custom Homes at 403-250-1033 or visit www.stepperhomes.com and www.facebook.com/stepperhomes.
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