There are certain things that people put on their must-have list when searching for a home. It may be a master suite with a full bathroom, or maybe it is a big backyard for the kids to play in. That said, there are some things that people don't realize they need until after they have made the sale and have started moving in. Here are a few things to look into that may not be on your radar.
Phone Service
It's becoming more common for people to ditch the landline and go strictly with cell phones. While the phone line for a home used to be an afterthought, it is now something that you need to pay attention to. Be sure to take out your cell phone and see if you have a good signal. If you have trouble making a call or accessing the internet, you'll find out sooner rather than later that this will be a big problem.
Having no cell phone signal at a home may not be a deal breaker, since there are some solutions to fix the problem. You could always switch carriers if that is an option, or purchase a WiFi signal booster from your carrier.
Utilities
You may be surprised to learn that not all homes will have the same setup when it comes to utilities. For instance, it is possible that a home in the country doesn't have a natural gas line running to it. The fuel for the furnace may come exclusively through electricity, which can cause electric bills to be much higher in the winter.
Internet is another utility that is not always guaranteed. Find out if the home can get internet from the local providers, and if not, how much it will cost. You may be shocked to find out how much the local internet provider will charge you to run a wire to your home.
Water and Sewage
It may not be apparent during your walk through about what kind of system the house uses for sewage. Is it hooked up to a city sewer system, or does the home use a septic tank? A septic tank could require additional maintenance that you would rather not have to deal with. The same thing goes for the water supply to the home. Does it use city water or depend on well water?
For more tips on things you should consider before you make an offer, speak to your realtor or a company like Larsen Properties LA.
