When it comes to house hunting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vast array of choices out there. It’s not just about finding a house—it’s about finding the right house for you and your family with the right features that suit your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled these house hunting tips for finding the right features. We hope that this guide will help you navigate the often confusing world of real estate with confidence and clarity.

An important note: OKCHomeSellers can significantly simplify these searches. Many of these features might be difficult, if not impossible, to search for using consumer online search tools. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Key Features to Consider When House Hunting

Location of the House

Even today, the old real estate adage of ‘location, location, location’ holds true. When it comes to the location of the house, consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, amenities, and the general feel of the neighborhood.

For instance, if you’re targeting Oklahoma City, each neighborhood offers a distinct culture and lifestyle. Check out our Oklahoma City Homes For Sale page, as it lists and has information on the prominent city neighborhoods.

Size of the Lot

The size of a home’s lot is crucial in shaping the living experience. It provides space for outdoor activities, such as children’s play areas, gardens, or pools, and enables social events like barbecues.

A larger lot also offers potential for future home expansions, providing flexibility to adapt to changing needs. Moreover, homes on bigger lots often have more privacy due to increased distance from neighbors.

Therefore, when buying a home, it’s important to consider the size of the house itself along with the size of the lot.

Number of Bedrooms

The number of bedrooms in a house can drastically affect its utility and price. Make sure to consider your current needs and possible future changes, such as family expansion or providing space for guests.

Number of Bathrooms

Adequate bathroom space is essential for comfortable living. Consider the number of people living in the house and their schedules to decide the optimal number of bathrooms you would need.

Kitchen Layout

The kitchen is often the heart of a home. Look for a kitchen layout that suits your cooking habits, family size, and entertaining needs. An open kitchen layout can provide a more social cooking experience, while a closed one may offer more privacy.

Sorry folks, but this is one of those things you can’t directly search for. I’ve encountered situations like this many times, and the only way to do it is with photos.

Age, Style, and Condition of Home Appliances

Home appliances can be costly to replace. Therefore, understanding their age, style, and condition before purchasing a house is vital. Consider how well they fit with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences and whether they might need replacement or repair in the near future.

Additional Factors to Consider

Age of the House

The age of the house is another significant factor to consider when house hunting. Older homes might have a certain charm, but they could also come with more maintenance requirements, which can add to the overall cost of homeownership. On the other hand, newer houses might have modern amenities and require less immediate maintenance, but they might lack the character of older homes.

Price

Of course, the price of the house is a crucial factor in any house hunting expedition. Before diving into your search, ensure you fully understand your budget and financial situation. While finding a house that ticks all your boxes is important, ensuring it fits comfortably within your financial means is equally important.

Seller’s Incentive to Sell

Understanding the seller’s incentive to sell can provide useful insights during negotiations. If the seller is in a hurry to sell due to a job relocation or personal reasons, they might be willing to negotiate on the price or other terms of the sale. This information can be obtained through your real estate agent or during conversations with the seller.

Listing agents are not allowed to disclose seller motivations unless specifically allowing, in writing, that they may disclose it. So please be understanding if we can’t let you know.

Maintenance Requirements

When looking at homes, don’t just see the features but also the upkeep they may require. A beautiful large yard can turn into a weekend chore if not managed properly. The age and condition of various parts of the house can also dictate its maintenance needs. Considering the time, effort, and cost you’re willing to invest in maintaining the house is crucial.

The 10 Most Searched Features

According to a recent study by Point2 Homes, the top word on the minds of home shoppers nationwide is “garage.” The study examined over 730,000 property listings and 52 million words used to describe them, revealing the most commonly used terms by real estate agents. So, if you’re in the market for a new home, be sure to keep an eye out for that essential feature: a garage. Here are the top 10:

1. Garage

2. Patio/Porch

3. Yard

4. Storage

5. Fireplace

6. Walk-in Closet

7. Full Bath

8. Open Floor Plan

9. Pool

10. Stainless Steel Appliances

These features are often associated with comfort, convenience, and a high-quality living experience, making them sought-after among house hunters. As you embark on your search, it might be helpful to consider how much weight you place on these popular features and how they align with your individual needs and lifestyle.

The Role of Resale Value in House Hunting

While the home you choose should primarily meet your current needs and lifestyle, it’s also worth considering its potential resale value. Whether you plan to live in the house for a few years or a few decades, the property’s future value should be considered in your decision-making process.

Importance of Considering Resale Value

Even if you’re not planning to sell the house in the near future, life can often take unexpected turns. Having a house with a good resale value can provide financial security. A home is often one of the most significant investments a person makes, so it’s wise to ensure that it’s solid.

Features That Enhance the Resale Value

Certain features can significantly enhance the resale value of a house. Houses with desirable locations, generous bedrooms and bathrooms, modern kitchen layouts, and updated appliances are often attractive to a broad pool of potential buyers.

In addition, these features tend to add to a house’s appeal and resale value:

• garage
• spacious yard
• ample storage
• fireplace
• walk-in closet
• open floor plan
• swimming pool
• stainless-steel appliances

Final Thoughts

House hunting can be an exciting, albeit sometimes daunting, journey. By focusing on the important features, considering the location, size of the lot, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen layout, age, style, and condition of home appliances, and additional factors such as the age of the house, price, seller’s incentive to sell, and maintenance requirements, you can narrow down your search and find a home that truly suits your needs and lifestyle.

Remember, every house will have its unique pros and cons, and it’s unlikely you’ll find one that’s absolutely perfect. The goal should be to find a home that ticks most of your boxes and feels right for you and your family.

Lastly, consider the resale value and the popular features that other homebuyers value. Even if they don’t matter to you now, they could be important when you decide to sell.

Happy house hunting! Remember, OKCHomeSellers is always here to help you in your feature-finding journey.

Frequently Asked Questions