Buying a house can be stressful. It's a big decision, and you want to be 100% sure that you find the perfect home. However, a home isn't just a roof over your head. It's a place where you and your family will be making precious memories to last a lifetime.

This article will cover the top 7 things to look for when purchasing your new Tampa Bay home.

Before you start seriously looking for a home, you should figure out your budget and where you'd like to live.

White Picket Fence Or Flight Of Stairs To The 8th Floor?

Do you want a condo, townhouse, or single-family home? Each has its pros and cons.

A condo can be an affordable option for homeownership. Condos don't have the upkeep of a yard and usually have some onsite amenities such as a gym or swimming pool. But, on the contrary, you don't have as much space, and you live close to your neighbors.

A townhouse is another affordable option but with a little more space than a condo. However, you still will be close to neighbors and have limited space for a backyard.

A single-family home is a little more expensive depending on the area and size of the house, but you can get more space and privacy. You also get a backyard!

The type of home you choose is a personal decision. Everyone has different needs so take the time to evaluate your options before you make a decision.

What Has A Bed And Hopefully A Walk In Closet?

How many bedrooms do you need? Do you have kids, or are you planning on having kids?

Maybe you want an extra guest room for family visiting or a playroom for the kids?

Understanding your needs will help you end up with the ideal home.

You also need to take a look at the layout of the house. For example, where are the bedrooms located? Does the master bedroom have an attached bathroom?

Take a look at the lighting and ceiling fans in each bedroom. If lighting isn't enough, then check out the number of outlets in the rooms.

Also, check the windows. Are there enough windows? Are there too many windows and a lack of privacy?

Many details make up a bedroom that may seem minor but could become an issue later in life. So make sure to pay attention when touring homes.

Sharing Is Caring But Sharing Bathrooms?

If you have more than one child, then you may have already heard the "I'm taking a shower first" argument.

When looking at bathrooms for your future home, here are a few things to consider:

  1. Do you want a master bathroom? If so, how big do you want it to be?

  2. Do you want renovated bathrooms?

  3. How many bathrooms do you need?

 

There are lots to consider when looking at the master bathroom in a home. A master bathroom can be small or big. It could have two sinks or one. And it also could have a luxurious bathtub or no bathtub at all.

Renovated bathrooms mean potentially fewer issues in the future. You also won't have to put more money into updating it in a few years.

But on the contrary, renovating your bathroom yourself allows you to pick your ideal sink fixture or shower tile.

As for the number of bathrooms, that comes down to how many people will be living with you.

You may also want a bathroom close to the living room for when guests come over.

Where Is The Heart Of The Home, And Does It Have Granite Countertops?

We are talking about the kitchen, of course!

Some people like to cook and some people...not so much. So a big kitchen may not be as important to you if you don't plan on using it much.

If you do plan on using your kitchen, then you should consider the size and condition.

A big kitchen means room for the whole family. And room for a possible island? A more oversized kitchen also means more room for dishes and cookware, so if you have a large family, the extra space may be helpful.

A renovated kitchen also has its perks. Brand new countertops and cabinets mean no future DIY projects to fix that chip on your breakfast bar.

On the other hand, older kitchens have a charm to them. They don't have that cookie-cutter look. And you can upgrade as you see fit.

Functionality is also necessary. Do all the appliances work, or will they need to be replaced soon? Functional could be the most vital element to consider as not having a move-in-ready kitchen could become troublesome.

Got Plumbing? Hopefully!

Having working plumbing in a home is necessary. The last thing you want is to buy your new home and then a month later have to fork out thousands of dollars in repairs.

To avoid a disaster like that, you should get your home inspected. However, we recommend not relying on a home inspector as they aren't 100% experts in plumbing.

We advise reaching out to a plumbing company of your choice to do the inspection. A plumber will be more thorough and can catch potential issues that a home inspector may miss.

Depending on what your plumber says, you may be in good shape or bad shape.

Even if your plumber says that your plumbing is all good, but you may need some repairs in a few years, that's still something to consider.

A brand new, recently built home may be a better choice if you don't want to pay for plumbing repairs later down the road.

Exposed Wires May Not Be A Good Sign.

Electrical repairs can be expensive and time-consuming.

Like our plumbing recommendation, get an electrician to inspect your home rather than a home inspector.

You may have to pay a little extra, but it's worth it to get a comprehensive inspection done by a professional.

Besides electrical repairs, you should take note of outlets and lighting fixtures.

Do the bedrooms have enough outlets? Does the kitchen have enough lighting?

You could use an extension cord or plug in a lamp to fix said issues, but it's still something to consider when purchasing a home.

Florida Homes: AC And More AC

It's Florida, so a reliable HVAC system is a must. Once again, hire an HVAC contractor to inspect your home rather than a home inspector.

HVAC repairs can get costly, which is the last thing you need when moving into your new home.

Opting for a home with a new cooling and heating system is never a bad idea. A new HVAC unit means you won't have to replace it for quite some time.

Your air ducts are also essential. If you have dirty air ducts, then the air you breathe could be polluted with dust, allergens, and debris. And if you have leaky ducts, you won't be getting the most out of your HVAC unit. Not to mention you'll be wasting money each month.

Something else to consider is your thermostat. Old thermostats provide a set of their own issues. Not to mention, there are smart thermostats that allow you to alter the temperature from your phone! How convenient?

Buying a new home can be overwhelming, but it's also an exciting time. Size and location aren't the only factors to consider when purchasing a home. We hope these tips help you narrow down your choice and make the process smoother for you. Happy house-hunting!