The Comprehensive Guide to House Hunting: 34 Things to Look for When Buying a Home

Embarking on the journey to find your dream home can be both exciting and overwhelming. With numerous factors to consider, it’s crucial to have a structured plan to ensure that you find a house that fits your needs and lifestyle. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the house hunting process, from structural factors to environmental considerations, and even financial implications.

Table of Contents 

Structural and Layout Factors

When considering potential homes, the structural aspects and layout are among the first things you will notice. These attributes largely determine a house’s functionality and can greatly influence your daily living experience.

Key Considerations:

• Architectural Style: Traditional, modern, rustic, or something else entirely – whatever your preference, the architectural style can truly make a house feel like a home.
• Interior Layout: The arrangement and size of rooms, the flow between them, and the overall functionality of the floor plan are critical.
• Window Size and Placement: Ample, well-placed windows not only allow for good natural lighting, but they also provide ventilation and can contribute to energy efficiency.
• Ceiling Height: Particularly for taller individuals or those who simply appreciate a sense of spaciousness, the height of the ceilings can be a key factor.

Environmental and Location Factors

The environmental factors and location of your house are also critical considerations. They can affect your lifestyle, commuting times, noise levels, and even the future resale value of the house.

Key Considerations:

• Natural Light: How much natural light a house receives can greatly influence your mood and energy consumption.
• House Orientation: A house’s orientation can affect natural light, heating, and cooling costs.
• Neighbor Proximity: If privacy is essential to you, consider how close the neighbors are and what the sightlines are like from the windows.
• The Neighborhood: Aspects like school quality, work proximity, walkability, public transportation, and community amenities can greatly affect your quality of life.

Interior Features and Amenities

The interior features and amenities can greatly influence your lifestyle and comfort within the house. This covers everything from the kitchen layout to the number of bathrooms, among other things.

Key Considerations:

• Kitchen Features: For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Consider the layout, storage space, appliances, and natural light.
• Bathroom Count: Consider if the number of bathrooms will meet your family’s needs. An additional powder room can also be beneficial when hosting guests.
• Storage Space: Ample storage space can keep your home organized and clutter-free.
• Fireplace: A fireplace can add coziness to a home, but consider the maintenance that it requires.

Local Regulations and Ordinances

Understanding local regulations and ordinances is crucial before purchasing a home. These can affect everything from potential renovations to the number and type of pets you can keep.

Key Considerations:

• Renovation Restrictions: Some areas or types of properties have restrictions on what renovations can be done.
• Pet Regulations: If you have pets or plan to get them, make sure to check the local regulations.
• Noise Ordinances: These regulations can affect your lifestyle, particularly if you work from home or have loud hobbies.
• Parking Rules: Make sure to understand the rules around street parking and whether any restrictions could impact you or your guests.

Financial and Market Factors

Financial and market factors can significantly impact the affordability and potential future value of a house. From understanding the local real estate market to accounting for all the associated costs of owning a home, these factors are essential.

Key Considerations:

• Local Real Estate Market: The state of the local market can help you negotiate a fair price and understand the potential future value of the property.
• Additional Costs: Homeownership includes costs beyond the purchase price, such as property taxes, insurance, homeowners association fees, and maintenance costs.
• Resale Value: Consider whether the house will hold or increase its value over time. Consider factors such as location, size, condition, and local market trends.

Maintenance and Inspection

Buying a house means taking on the responsibility of maintaining it. Knowing the history of the house and having it professionally inspected before purchase can help prepare you for this.

Key Considerations:

• Property History: This can tell you about the house’s previous care and highlight any recurring issues.
• Professional Inspection: A professional inspection can identify any potential issues that may not be immediately apparent.

Pros and Cons of House Hunting

Like anything, house hunting comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some to consider:

Pros:

• Customization: Buying a house allows you to personalize it to your taste.
• Stability: Owning a home can provide stability and a sense of belonging to a community.
• Investment: Over time, homes generally appreciate in value, making them a good investment.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Owning a home comes with ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
• Financial Commitment: Homes are expensive, and buying one comes with long-term financial commitments like a mortgage, insurance, and taxes.
• Less Flexibility: Once you’ve bought a home, it’s harder to pick up and move than if you were renting.

34 Things to Consider When Buying a House

To help you remember everything you need to consider while house hunting, we’ve created a checklist:

Structural & Layout Factors:

• Residential Type

  • Ranch-style House
  • Bungalow
  • Apartment
  • Townhouse
  • Cottage
  • Duplex
  • Villa
  • Farmhouse
  • Split-level Home
  • Mansion
  • Mobile Home
  • Tiny House

• Indoor-Outdoor Flow

  • Open Concept with Large Patio Doors
  • Separate Entrances for Front and Backyard
  • No Direct Access to Outdoor Areas

• Room Size

  • Spacious Rooms
  • Small Rooms
  • Mixed Room Sizes (Big living room, smaller bedrooms)
• Layout
  • Open Floor Plan
  • Traditional
  • Custom
•  

• Lot Grade

  • Flat
  • Sloped
  • Terraced

• Window Type

  • Fixed Window
  • Sliding Windows
  • Pivoted Windows
  • Double Windows

• Window Size

  • Full Height
  • Above Waist

• Staircase

  • Wide Staircase
  • Narrow Staircase

• Heating and Cooling Systems

  • Central Heating and Air
  • Radiator Heating, No Air Conditioning
  • Heat Pump, Separate Air Conditioning Unit

• Ceiling Height

  • Standard (8 feet / 2.4 meters)
  • High (10+ feet / 3 meters and more)
  • Vaulted or Cathedral Ceilings

Environmental & Location Factors:

• Natural Light

  • Abundant Natural Light
  • Moderate Natural Light
  • Minimal Natural Light

• Weather Considerations

  • Well-insulated for Cold Weather
  • Adequate Ventilation for Hot Weather
  • Weather-proofed for Storms or Heavy Rain

• House Orientation

  • North-Facing
  • South-Facing
  • East-Facing
  • West-Facing

• Neighbor Proximity

  • Close Neighbors
  • Moderate Distance
  • No Nearby Neighbors

• Neighborhood Amenities

  • Near Parks or Recreation Centers
  • Close to Shopping and Restaurants
  • Remote with Few Amenities
  • Proximity to Quality Schools
  • Nearby Hospitals or Health Facilities
  • Local Farmer’s Markets
  • Accessible Public Transportation
  • Bike-friendly Paths and Trails
  • Gyms or Sports Facilities
  • Nearby Beaches or Waterfronts
  • Safe, Well-Lit Streets and Neighborhoods
  • Proximity to Airports or Major Highways

• Driveway

  • Accommodates Multiple Vehicles
  • Single Car Driveway
  • No Driveway, Street Parking Only

• Parking Rules

  • No Restrictions
  • Permit Required
  • Strict Limitations

Interior Features & Amenities:

Interior Design Elements:

• Wainscoting or Paneling
• Coffered Ceilings
• Vaulted Ceilings
• Beamed Ceilings
• Stained Glass Windows
• Antique Fixtures
• Venetian Plaster
• Picture Rails
• High or Tray Ceilings
• Original Fireplaces
• Terra Cotta Tiles
• Herringbone or Chevron Flooring
• Parquet Floors
• Original Hardwood Floors
• Marble or Granite Countertops
• Farmhouse Sink

Doors and Windows:

• Bay Windows
• French Doors
• Skylights
• Window Seats

Unique Features:

• Archways
• Butler’s Pantry
• Clawfoot Tub
• Staircase Details (e.g., wrought iron or carved wood railings)
• Juliet Balcony
• Walk-in Closets
• Wine Cellar or Storage

Outdoor Features:

• Verandas 
• Balconies
• Outdoor Living Spaces (e.g., pergola or built-in barbecue)

Laundry Room Location

• Main Floor
• Basement
• Upper Floor

Kitchen Amenities

• High-End Appliances
• Standard Appliances
• Basic Appliances
• Outdated Appliances

Bathroom Count

• Multiple Full Bathrooms
• One Full Bathroom, One Half Bathroom
• Single Bathroom

Local Regulations & Ordinances:

• Renovation Restrictions

  • No Restrictions
  • Minor Restrictions (Exterior Changes)
  • Major Restrictions (Historic District)

• Pet Regulations

  • No Restrictions
  • Some Restrictions (Size, Breed, Number)
  • No Pets Allowed

• Noise Ordinances

  • No Restrictions
  • Daytime Noise Allowed, Nighttime Restrictions
  • Strict Noise Restrictions

• Parking Rules

  • No Restrictions
  • Permit Required
  • Strict Limitations

Financial & Market Factors:

• Understanding the Local Real Estate Market

  • Buyers Market
  • Sellers Market
  • Balanced Market

• Additional Costs of Homeownership

  • Property Taxes
  • Homeowner’s Insurance
  • Utility Costs

• Potential Resale Value

  • High Potential for Appreciation
  • Stable Resale Value
  • Potential for Depreciation

Maintenance & Inspection:

• Property History 

  • Well-Maintained
  • Minor Maintenance Issues
  • Major Maintenance Issues

• Maintenance

  • Detailed Records
  • Some Records Missing
  • No Records

• Professional Home Inspection

  • Passes with Minor Issues
  • Several Problems Identified
  • Significant Problems Requiring Immediate Attention

Purchasing a home is a significant decision that requires extensive planning and consideration. But with this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions throughout your house hunting journey. Happy hunting!