During seasons when more homes are on the market – specifically spring – buyers may be faced with more options. With the help of a real estate agent and a simple checklist, they can narrow down their housing options more easily.

Choosing a home can be a difficult decision. It is a choice that will affect the rest of the your life, most likely, and one that is not easily reversible. However, with the proper help and preparation, narrowing down the field to a single home does not have to be all that hard. Your real estate agent will be able to help you compile a checklist of must-haves and preferred amenities. From there, it is a matter of reviewing the lists of houses and matching them with items on the lists until the best choice is clear. Here are a few tips for narrowing down the options and determining the best home.

1. How do you feel about the size of your home?
   This should be one of the first items on a homebuyer’s checklist. Both how big of a home you desire and price per square foot should be considered. Sometimes each square foot of a smaller home will cost much more than a mid-size or larger one. You might miss that the better deal is actually the bigger house.
2. Show interest in structural integrity and systems lifespan
   When touring homes it is important to pay attention to even the tiniest of details. Try to determine how structurally sound the home is – for example, has the roof been replaced recently or is it nearing the end of its typical lifespan?  Are the major systems and appliances in good working order or do they show signs of excessive wear and tear. Keep in mind if the seller is offering a home warranty, you may feel more at ease knowing that you have system and appliance coverage should something break after you move in.
3. Bothered by the prospect of a single bathroom?
   Bathrooms are some of the more important rooms in a home, and buyers have to be sure of how many they want. Not only should the number of bathrooms be a factor, but also their quality and appearance. It would be a shame to purchase a great home, just to be forced to immediately invest heavily in a bathroom remodel.
4. How much do you know about the neighborhood?
   A great home is nothing without a wonderful neighborhood. You should extensively research various neighborhoods to make sure you are heading to one that you’ll  enjoy. Is there a grocery store nearby? How important is it to have a gym, school or parks in the vicinity? These factors can be as important as the home itself.
5. Rate the renovation potential
   After some time in their new homes, many homeowners like to begin remodeling rooms to make the spaces they occupy their own. You should be sure to consider renovation potential when reviewing your list of options. How likely is it that the structure of the home is amenable to work in the coming years? Even if this is not a factor now, there is a good chance it will be down the line.

A checklist featuring items such as those listed above can go a long way in helping you determine which property is right for you when faced with numerous options.

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Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers.