The Smart Buyer's Checklist
Buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks can be an exciting and intimidating time in your life. During a private showing or an open house, it can be easy to get distracted by the homeowner’s perfectly staged décor or overwhelming air fresheners. As your trusted real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks, I want to help you get the most out of your house hunting to find the best home for your lifestyle. During your next private showing or open house, consider this checklist that I’ve put together for you - the SMART buyer.
- LOCATION
When thinking about location, there are several things to be aware of, such as the cell phone signal. Especially if you work from home, it’s important that you have good cellular service. Ask questions about the neighborhood and the people in it. If you have younger children, you may want to look for a neighborhood that has families with children around the same age, or amenities such as a pool or basketball court. It’s also important to note whether other houses in the same area are also for sale. If several homes in the neighborhood are up for sale, this could mean that the area’s economy is in bad shape. Don’t hesitate to ask your real estate agent these questions, even if they may seem uncomfortable.
- LAYOUT
This may seem like a no-brainer, but always consider the layout of the home and how your furniture will play a part in that. If you have small children, you will want to think about safety when it comes to different types of stairways and windows. If the homeowner is not selling the furniture along with the home, envision how the various rooms will look when they are completely empty and how you might arrange your own furniture. Also, consider whether or not you will need to purchase new furniture or décor.
- BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
When it comes to bedrooms and bathrooms, don’t be afraid to open every single door. The home could soon be yours – and you don’t want to accidentally miss something. Check the size of the closets in each of the rooms and make sure they will be big enough for your lifestyle. Storage areas are a necessity. Check the size of the storage closets and rooms. Be careful not to get too greedy with your storage areas though – too many empty rooms can boost your heating and cooling bills. Open all the cabinets in the bathrooms and check underneath the sink. Are there any signs of leaking? Check the shower too. If there’s any evidence of water around the base of the toilets, this could be a sign of larger, future problems.
- BASEMENT
The basement is an incredibly important area to take a closer look at. Check carefully for any water damage or mold. Though these things will be also checked with an inspection, sometimes it’s nice to see for yourself as well. Is the basement finished or unfinished? Consider the cost of finishing the basement yourself after purchasing. If there is any exposed piping in the basement or laundry room, check for rust or leaking. These could easily cause problems for you down the road. Waterfront homes for sale are beautiful, but make sure to check out the stability of the seawall as well.
Now you’re not just a smart buyer, you're a smart buyer with a checklist! It’s important to come prepared with a critical eye when it comes to your future living space. Your lifestyle has specific needs, and my job is to help find a home that meets them. Now that you’re ready, call your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, MO to set up your next private showing of any property for sale.
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