
Buying your first home can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. You want to choose a home that perfectly suits your needs. So, just what do you look for in a first home? Our real estate agents have guided numerous first-time buyers through the house-hunting process, and they have a few suggestions.
- Two to Three Bedrooms
When you're just starting out, there's really no need for more than three bedrooms. One can be your bedroom, the second can be a guest room, and the third can be a home office. Two- and three-bedroom homes tend to be priced more reasonably than four- or five-bedroom homes, and they suit most first-time buyers' needs.
- Some Minor Updates Needed
While it would be nice to move into a home that was fully updated and modernized, the truth is most homes in this state are outside the price range of the average first-time buyer. That's not to say you have to move into a fixer-upper. In most cases, the perfect starter home needs some minor updates, such as new carpet or a coat of paint. Homes that need a bit of work sell for less, and doing these projects gives you a chance to customize the space.
- Good Bones
When real estate agents and builders say a home has "good bones," they mean the roof, foundation, windows, and major appliances are all in good repair. Repairing these major components is costly and time-consuming and not something the average first-time buyer wants to tackle. Always say "yes" to the home inspection to ensure any home you buy has "good bones."
- Suitable for Your Lifestyle
Think about the activities you enjoy and how you live your day-to-day life. This will impact the sort of features you should look for in a starter home.
For example, if you work a lot and are always dashing out the door at the last minute, you really want an efficiently laid-out kitchen. If you're an outdoorsy person with a lot of dirty clothes and shoes, you may want a home with hard floors, not carpeting.
- The Right Neighborhood
Don't forget to look outside the home itself and consider its location. Most people want their starter homes near basic amenities, such as grocery stores and gas stations. Look for a neighborhood where the other residents are similar in age, and you'll have an easier time making friends.
- Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Your first home does not have to have the most ornate garden beds or custom landscaping. But you do want the landscaping to be easy to maintain so you don't spend your entire weekend doing yard work. Some things you may want to see include low-maintenance perennials, a weed-free lawn, and good edging around garden beds.
In addition to the features above, the right home will be within your budget and within easy reach of your workplace. For more guidance, feel free to contact us. Our agents will help you find the best Klamath Falls homes for sale, regardless of your lifestyle.