What to Ask When You're Shopping Around
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
Moving into your first “home”, whether it’s rented or your own, is always an exciting step towards independence. So, once you know you can afford to move out, what next? How do you find that place to call your very own? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you’re viewing a new place to see if it will work for you.
Can I afford it?
Checking the rental or list price of a potential home before you view it is a good idea. You certainly don't want to fall in love with a place that is unobtainable, unless you have wiggle-room in your budget. So, before you do anything, find out how much you can affordto pay per month on rent or a mortgage, before you start shopping.
Is it big enough? Is it a space I can grow into?
Depending on how long you plan on living in this new space, it's a good idea to think about the future potential as you may not want to move for a while. If you're single, what if you should decide to settle down? Or if you're a young couple, what if you have a baby? Or, in our case, what if we add a pet or two, is there room? Plan for the future.
Do I like the layout? Does the floor plan work?
Is the bathroom accessed through a bedroom? If it is, that might not work if your parents are going to visit. Is the living room an odd shape that will be difficult to work with? Think about how the space flows and try to imagine your daily tasks/activities and if that will work for you.
Will everything I own fit in the space? Can I imagine my things in this space?
First, can you get your things into this space? Sometimes, the doorways may be wide enough to accommodate your favorite desk, but what if the hallway to the office isn't? Will your new king-size bed fit in the master bedroom? If you really love the space, you may post the new bed or desk on E-bay and opt for new furniture. All things to consider.
Is there adequate storage?
If there isn't, you may need to pay for storage. This will add to your monthly budget and it may or may not be worth the inconvenience.
Is the building/house sound?
If you're purchasing a home, an inspector will take care of this question for you. If you're renting, you should look for signs of problems such as slanting floors, cracks in the ceiling or walls.
Is there any mildew, signs of a leaking roof or any indication of bugs?
Look closely at walls, ceilings, in the shower and around the toilet for mildew or signs of rotting. Check inside the cupboards for any roach traps or mouse droppings. Ask the landlord if they spray for pests on a regular basis. If they do, that's a clear sign they have a bug problem, even though they are addressing it. Find out what the procedure is, if you have to vacate during that time and if you have pets, if it's safe for them.
How much repair/maintenance will it require? Will the owner fix it before I move in?
This is key to your budget. If you notice things that require work, write them down and address them with the owner. Make sure all repairs are completed prior to moving in, that includes cosmetic maintenance such as painting, installing fixtures and cleaning windows. Make sure the lights, appliances heat and air conditioning are in working order.
What’s the shower like? Is there ample hot water?
Now, some people may laugh, but for me this is so important. I can't tell you how many times I purchased my own shower head, installed it, hoping for Niagara Falls when all I was getting was a dribble. Check it. Test it. Ask about hot water quantities.
Is it drafty or damp?
You can usually tell if a place is damp. Look for water stains on the ceiling and walls and condensation on the window sills and rotting woodwork. Stand next to windows and closed doors to check for drafts. Does the place feel cold? Is it located in a wide-open area or are there buildings surrounding it that will protect it from wind gusts?
Is it secure? Is the lock adequate and do the windows/balcony door lock?
It's good to check all possible entry points to make sure they're secure. If they aren't, will the landlord or owner put in new locks and/or replace old, tired ones? Is there adequate lighting inside and outside the building? Will you feel safe standing outside your door as you dig for the keys?
Is there any outdoor space? If so, is it large enough? Try to imagine what you would use this space for and if it will suffice. Also, how much work will it be to maintain and if you're renting, will the landlord let you use this space for your own purposes?
Which direction does the apartment/house face? Is there enough light?
This is usually the first thing I look at. Exposures are so important for our health and happiness. Try to view the space in the morning and again in the afternoon. Check the light and if you'll get enough.
Source: http://moving.about.com/od/findingaplacetolive/a/first_home_ask.htm
Movers Huntington Park
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