Quick House Hunting Guide: Key Points to Consider

Starting your house hunting journey in the vibrant Houston or Austin real estate markets? This brief guide will highlight crucial factors to consider, from neighborhood vibes to interior specifics. It’s your quick roadmap to finding your dream home. Let’s dive in!

Location

Begin with understanding the neighborhood. Consider its vibe, level of activity, privacy, and its visual appeal.

House Type

Decide on the house style that suits you:

• single-family
• condo
• townhouse
• multi-family
• co-op

Interior Elements

• Room Requirements: Ascertain the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Consider the layout – where should the rooms be located relative to each other?

1. Laundry: Factor in the need and location for laundry. Consider the noise and convenience of having it on the same floor as your primary rooms.
2. Open Floor Plan: Consider if an open floor plan suits your style and needs, as it offers a brighter, more spacious feel.
3. Essential Amenities: Check the status of essential systems like HVAC, water heater, and water softener. Know the age and condition of these systems, their cost of replacement, and whether they cater to your specific needs.
4. Fireplace: Decide whether having a fireplace is a priority. Check its condition and consider the maintenance requirements.
5. Flooring: Choose between hardwood and carpet based on your preferences, budget, and their respective maintenance requirements.
6. Water and Sewer Services: Decide between city-provided services or self-maintained options like wells and septic systems, depending on your home’s location.
7. Ceiling Fans: Assess the need for ceiling fans for air circulation. Factor in installation challenges for high or vaulted ceilings.
8. Kitchen Amenities: Determine the need for a dishwasher and garbage disposal. Consider the costs if these need to be installed.
9. Room Sizes: Evaluate the room sizes based on your furniture, family members’ needs, and other requirements.

Exterior:

1. Size: Consider minimum and maximum square footage, and desired lot size.
2. Garage: Decide your requirements such as size, heating, attachment to the house.
3. Yard: Preferences on fencing, trees, garden space.
4. Outdoor Spaces: Importance of a deck, patio, shed, swimming pool.
5. Waterfront Property: Decide on must-haves like a beach, private access, or boat storage.

School Districts

Investigate local schools’ ratings for quality of education.

Small Children

1. Recreation: Proximity to parks, playgrounds, and other facilities.
2. Safety: Potential for child-proofing the house, especially stairways.

Emergency Services: Proximity to police stations, fire departments, hospitals, etc.

Convenience:

1. Commute: Consider the distance and time to your workplace.
2. Public Transport: Availability of nearby public transport.
3. Shopping: Proximity to retail establishments, restaurants, nightlife.

Other Must-Haves

1. Interior Features: Private master bath, foyer, walk-in closets.
2. Extra Parking: Needed for additional vehicles, boat, or RV.
3. Luxury Features: Sauna, hot tub.

Prioritize

• Must-Haves: Crucial features without which you wouldn’t consider the house.
• Nice-to-Haves: Bonus features which are desirable but not essential.

During House Visits:

1. Check Updates: Ask about recent updates to roof, siding, HVAC, etc.
2. Detect Odors: Identify any unpleasant smells and their sources.

Additional Tips

1. Curb Appeal: Consider the home’s exterior presentation and its neighborhood.
2. Time of Day: Visit the neighborhood at different times to get a comprehensive idea.
3. Take Notes: Document your observations through notes, photos, or videos.

In Houston and Austin real estate markets, remember that finding a home is about merging your aspirations with reality. Let this guide be your compass in identifying your perfect abode.