3 Things To Know Before Buying Your First Home

Hire A Home Inspector

Having an inspector come to your prospective house can feel intimidating. We get it; all you see is someone walking around the property you're excited to call home with a clipboard, looking at every little detail. You might be worried that something the inspector finds will impact your ability to buy your home.

But remember, a reputable house inspector like an inspector from Inspections By Keystone is on your side. And there are significant benefits to hiring one.

An inspector:

• Notes potential problems and makes recommendations. As the inspector goes through the home, noting various issues, they will compile a list of recommendations. This list is your friend!
• Identifies opportunities for a better investment. Some items on the list may help you reduce the seller's asking price. Others may be things that the seller must fix before closing.
• Enables you to prepare for your home's upcoming expenses. Taking note of your inspector's recommendations can help you plan for your home's upcoming expenses. The last thing you want is to be caught with an unexpected repair when finances are tight.

At Keystone Home Inspections, we know that buying your first home is a huge milestone in a person's life. It is likely the biggest you've made to date and an investment in your future. When we inspect your home, our goal is to give you empowering knowledge, a glimpse into your future costs, and, ultimately, peace of mind in your investment.

Use A Real Estate Agent

Not all real estate agents are created equal. And even a great agent may not be the one for you. There are some questions you'll want to ask them to get a feel for whether they're the agent for you.

1. You'll want to enjoy spending time with them as a person. Buying a home is very personal, and between touring houses, neighborhoods, and the mountains of paperwork, you'll spend a lot of time with your agent, so make sure you're comfortable with them.
2. Ask questions like:

• Are they experienced in your purchasing zip code?
• Do they usually work with the kind of home you're interested in buying (condo vs. single family)?
• How helpful will they be when it comes to negotiating to get you the best price?
• Will they help you meet your needs, like the size of your home and budget, rather than showing you things outside your price range?

Be Realistic About Renovations

This is another area where a quality home inspector can be a money saver. While you may be excited to find ways to put your own stamp on your new home, the last thing you want is to find out you signed your name to a money pit.

Your Keystone Inspector can help ensure your first home is safe and sound for your family so you can focus on picking new paint colors, not mold or foundation repairs. As you plan your new home's glow-up:

• Spend Time in the Space. Although it's hard to be patient, try not to spend a lot of money changing everything at once. You'll want to spend some time living in your new home's spaces to see how your family really uses it and what added functions would improve your family's flow. With that in mind, look for a home you can be comfortable in while you wait.
• Expect the Unexpected. As you're planning and saving for your renovation, remember to consider the less exciting improvements your home will likely need. How's the roof, electrical, and plumbing? Your inspector can help you get a good idea of how long you have before certain areas of your home need work. Ex: "That roof is fine for now but may need replacing in 5+ years).

So there you have it. Three tips that will put you well on your way to making a sound decision when it comes to buying your first home!

Keystone Home Inspections is a locally owned and operated business serving the greater Cleveland, Ohio, area in Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Medina County, Portage County, and Summit County.

We understand how big of a decision this is, and we are impartial and work only for you. Our job is to provide you with a comprehensive, fair, independent, and objective evaluation so that you can understand and take care of your valuable investment. Your interests are our interests before, during, and after the inspection. Reach out today!