Don't let yourself fall into the trap of being distracted by a beautiful decor, great furniture or gorgeous flowers by the front door. The last thing you want in your new home is unpleasant surprises. Dig a little deeper and find out whether this home has what you really need and want.
How does the floor plan work for your lifestyle? If you entertain a lot, you'll want to thoroughly check out the kitchen, dining room, deck or other public spaces. If you have children, they will need places to play, both indoors and out.
Look for spaces that can be put to work for your home office, hobbies or overnight guests. Is a garage or carport important for you? Is there enough storage?
Consider not just your immediate needs, but also your future requirements. Will you be living there for a long time? Will an older relative need to be a part of your living arrangements? Will children be returning home for a while after college and before venturing out to the work world?
Once you get past the floor plan take a look at the home's structure and mechanicals. Ask lots of questions and get a disclosure statement. It's important to know the age of the roof, furnace, water heater and any appliances that will remain. When you get serious about a home, bring in a qualified home inspector for a more complete and accurate report.
You can change out a paint color that doesn't please you. But repairing a roof or replacing a home's HVAC system will cost you money you may not have counted on. Look past the window dressing to make your best choice.
