What I have learned so far

After making our first purchase of a home, I have learned some things along the way. For all of those who have not purchased their own home yet, I thought I would let you in on some of the things to look for and beware of when you purchase your home.

1. Check on the quality of your appliances. Just because they are new doesn't mean they will work well. This includes the washer and dryer. I think we assume that they all work the same until you run into a bad one!

2. Look for a built in microwave. Having one built in (at least a good quality one) will make life easier. You never realize how much you use a microwave until it is gone. It also keeps precious counter space open.

3. If the kitchen is new, check out the cabinets. Make sure there are pulls and knobs because if you don't have them it is very frustrating. Also check to see that the shelves inside of the cabinets are installed. Most importantly, check to see that the cabinets themselves are properly attached to the walls. We have a couple upper cabinets that are pulling away from the wall and need more screws.

4. Make sure to look at homes during the day so you get a good ideal of how much natural light the house will get. If not, you will be investing in recessed lighting.

5. Check to see how many windows are exposed to rain and moisture. If they are older you will want to check the window sealing so you don't have the chance of mold. This will help you maintain your house without having the necessity of changing out the windows right away.

6. Look for storage. You may not think you have very much stuff. I know we don't but we could sure use another closet or two. Since we don't have an attached garage, all of our storage room is a little out of the way and not exactly at arms reach. Plus you have to consider that it will be exposed to heat and cold and possibly pests!

7. You need to be realistic about the size you choose. Consider your lifestyle and the furniture you already have. Try to make the house suit you more than having to change to suit the house.

8. Think about the location you choose. Although the economy isn't doing so well right now, it will recover and you need to think about your resale value.

9. Make sure the carpet in the house is in right places. For instance, we have carpet in both bathrooms and in the dining room. That will need to go soon. Having carpet anywhere that there is running water doesn't make much sense. Also, carpet in an eating area when you have young kids means you will be doing a lot of stain removal.

10. Some people want a fixer upper. I thought that we might be able to tackle something like that, but I'm glad we didn't. You need to look passed cosmetics and decor because those are easy fixes and a bucket of paint is cheap. On the other hand, bathroom and kitchen remodels are a huge undertaking and make it harder to live in. Make sure you are handy and up for the mess!

11. OK this one is little, but I love Christmas, so you will need to be able to think of where you can fit a Chistmas tree in the house after all your furniture is in. Ours will be a little crammed, but we will make it work.

12. If you are buying in an HOA, check it out first. Obviously, the realtor will tell you what the dues are, but you will need to check the CC&Rs for all the regulations on parking etc. You may end up being towed!

Well, that is all I can think of at the moment, but I am sure there are many other thing that I will think of later. I am sure there are others out there that have more advice, so feel free to share!