When you are house hunting, it’s easy to get so excited about the idea of a new home that you overlook some important things that you really shouldn’t. There may be some problems you don’t notice or some things you will wish you had done first before you moved in, and the following is a list of things that will help you make sure everything is in order before you move in.
1. Have an Inspection Done
If you check the new home over, you might miss some things, but a professional house inspector will be able to check for you and find out what might not be working properly or what the sellers are trying to hide. The inspector may give you a great report on the house, which is really what you’re hoping for, but they may also find some things that need to be brought to your attention, and that may help you get a lower price on the house.
2. Have the House Professionally Cleaned
Annie, who cleans for same day cleaning service NYC quotes that “Before you move into a home, you may want to get it cleaned, but you might not have time to clean it yourself.” Maybe you don’t have the energy to clean it up to scratch, but by hiring professional cleaners, you can make the place look spotless and welcoming and save yourself some trouble. This will definitely make the moving in process a lot smoother and give you fewer problems when you do move in. You can feel good about how clean and sanitary the place is and not worry about picking up bacteria and germs from every surface you touch or wherever you place your belongings.
3. Check the Water Supply
If you do an inspection, that will cover a lot of the work that needs to be done on a new house. However, it’s recommended that you do a personal inspection of the water supply. Look at where it’s coming from outside and make sure there are no leaks. Also check inside the house for leaks. Investigate any areas that are wet in the house and determine what the water source is. Also, make sure that all faucets, showers, and other water fixtures are working well.
4. Check the Electrical Supply
While you’re checking the water, you should also take time to check the electrical system in the home. Make sure the switches are working, the electrical panel is accessible, and that everything seems to be functioning in the house. You should ask the owners how old the electrical system is and if it’s ever been updated. Look for shorts, burnt wires, and other signs the electrical system may need some repairs. Remember that if you find major issues with the home, you may be able to negotiate the price down.
5. Look at the Neighborhood
You should take some time to look at the surrounding area and see what kind of neighborhood you’ll be moving into. How close are the nearest houses and will you have some privacy? Is the neighborhood quiet or loud? Is there a governing body with rules that you have to abide by in the neighborhood, such as a homeowners association? It’s a good idea to spend some time in the neighborhood at night to see how it changes and if you will feel comfortable living there. You should also check it during the week and on the weekend.
6. Find the Nearest Shops
It’s a good idea to know where the local grocery is, the nearest gas station, and other conveniences that you may need to access throughout the week. When you move to a new house, your entire shopping experience is probably going to change. You will likely choose shops that are close to you, but you should know what those are, how to find them, what they offer, and if they’re better options a little farther away.
7. Inspect the Yard
Take some time to look at the yard as well, looking for problems with the sewer and plumbing systems. See if there’s evidence of wildlife in the yard that may give you trouble, and make sure that if there’s a fence around the yard that it is secure. Check to see how stable the yard is as well, because if the ground is overly soft, there may not be strong enough support for the home. Check any outbuildings, like sheds, barns, and other structures, to see what kind of value they add to the home.
8. Find out What Is Staying
As you walk through a home you are considering buying, ask about which appliances and furniture might be staying behind. You should know upfront whether the house is coming as is or if it will be left completely bare by the time you get it. This kind of information may not be a deal breaker for you, but it can help you to make a more informed decision and to weigh the value of one home against another.
9. Square away Your Old Place
You also want to make sure that everything is taken care of at your old home. The transition from moving from one place to another should be as smooth as possible, so make a list of all the things you need to do before you move out. You may need to hire a moving company, have the water shut off, notify your utility providers, and do some other tasks for the transition to happen.
10. Ask for Some Help
The last thing you might want to do before moving into a new home is to get some help with the move. Maybe you think you can handle everything yourself, but you have to realize that moving is an exhausting process, and you may not feel like unpacking anything after simply moving it to the new place. With a little help, you’ll have more energy to do what you need to.
In Conclusion
There are a lot of things you need to do before moving into a new home, but if you take the time to do them, you’ll be much happier in your new place. These tips will help you make sure that the house is in good condition, the neighborhood meets your needs, and that you’re prepared for the move itself. You’ll also want to get some help with the move so that it goes as smoothly as possible. By following these tips, you can have a successful move and be happy in your new home.
