What Are Your First-Time Buyer Hot Buttons?

What Are Your First-Time Buyer Hot Buttons?

If you're in the market to buy your first home in Nanaimo you've probably already got a list - maybe a long list - of features that your new home must have.

Like most things in life, the longer the list the more expensive the home, and you may quickly find that some compromise is needed with your feature list . . . or with your significant other.

Here are a few features to look for when buying your first home:

Energy efficiency

Older electrical systems, plumbing, windows, doors and lighting will cause you to use more power and water than you might expect, resulting in higher utility bills.  Older homes to have a certain share to be sure, so if this is what you're looking for just be sure to accurately forecast the monthly cost for utilities and the one-time updating costs to eventually make your home more energy efficient.

Landscaping

The bigger the lot and the more vegetation, the more time it will take to keep everything looking neat and trim.  Even if you have a green thumb and plan on taking care of your own yard rather than paying somebody else to do it, you will have the expense of buying gardening tools that you may not already have, new plants, mulch, soil and wood chips.

Work, Schools and Shopping

Consider the closeness of your new home to schools, work and shopping.  The further you have to drive the less time you have to do other things that are more enjoyable.  

Neighbors

While it's tough to actually get to know your neighbors before you live in your new home, a good way to get a feel for the neighborhood is to visit the area that you're thinking of moving to during the weekday and weekends, both during the day and in the evenings.  When you visit at night you'll see and hear things that you probably won't during the day when most people are at work, and vice versa.