What To Look For In A Home Before Deciding To Purchase

4325 Mandeville Street, Listed by Rodney Nugent

New Orleans is one of the most culturally vibrant places in the United States, providing a unique living experience you can’t get anywhere else. However, you shouldn’t buy the first home that catches your eye. It takes careful research to find a house that checks all your boxes. Here are 10 things to look for before deciding which home to purchase.

1. Location, Location, Location

Location is always the most important factor when buying a home. It plays a huge role in determining your cost of living, education opportunities, shopping habits, and many other aspects of your life in New Orleans. 

Regardless of where you choose to live, it’s easy to get around New Orleans. The city has more than 100 miles of bike lanes and a public ferry system. Use these resources to explore and see which neighborhood is best for your family.

2. Architectural Style

New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the United States, so it has many architectural styles. You’ll find Victorian-era houses, Creole cottages, bungalows, quiet townhomes and double shotguns. Which option is best for your family’s needs and personal preferences? You need to answer this question to narrow down your search.

A house’s architecture also influences which renovations you can make. Bungalows have lots of transformation potential, but double shotguns and old Victorian homes are more limited. Keep these factors in mind as you scroll through the listings.

3. Square Footage

A house’s square footage is one of the main factors determining its resale value. If you have a growing family or plan to start one in the future, look for homes with at least 2,400 square feet, so everyone has enough space. Smaller residences might be cheaper, but you shouldn’t sacrifice your family’s comfort just to save money. Look for options with as much space as you need.

4. Weather Resistance

Like any other city in the southeast United States, New Orleans is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. That’s why your home’s weather resistance is so important. The foundation, siding, and roofing should be at the top of your inspection list. If you buy a house with roof damage, make temporary mechanical repairs with bolts and screws rather than trying chemical solutions. Leave those to the experts.

5. Number of Bedrooms

When inspecting the interior of different listings, start by confirming the number of bedrooms. Take your future plans into account with this step. Do you plan on having more children? If so, you should have an extra bedroom for when the time comes. Remember to consider other factors like closet space, windows, and lighting options.

6. Bathroom Amenities

You need to ensure everything works in each bathroom. With the real estate agent’s permission, test the toilets, showers, and faucets to confirm they’re in good working order. Look underneath the sink for mold and water leaks. You don’t want any surprises like low water pressure or plumbing issues when you move in.

7. Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen needs a similar inspection. Check out all the appliances — stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator — and see if they meet your specifications. Then check out the cabinets and pantry. Is there enough storage space for all your cooking and cleaning products? Can you envision yourself working in the kitchen? Visualization is a huge part of homebuying that many people overlook.

8. Living Room Layout

The living room is the most versatile place in the house. Do you want it to be a place of comfort and relaxation or a classy social gathering space? In either case, look around the room and envision different furniture arrangements. Keep the floor vents and electrical outlets in mind because they will impact where the TV, gaming system, and furniture go.

9. Yard Space

Your yard space is an empty canvas. You can start a new garden, build a playground or install things like hot tubs, pools, and patios. These outdoor fixtures are common in New Orleans because the weather never gets too cold. There are also many homes with beautiful waterfront views that might catch your eye.

10. Homeowners Association

Some of the homes on your radar might belong to a homeowner’s association. An HOA has unique rules for the neighborhood and requires you to pay additional fees. Before you decide on any house, make sure you research the HOA’s background. It would be best to steer clear if it had previous legal disputes with homeowners.

Find Your Dream Home in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the world. It welcomes all lifestyles and has many vibrant neighborhoods. Your dream home is out here somewhere — all it takes is careful research. Consider these 10 factors and consolidate your finances before making a decision.

Written by Rose Morrison of renovated.com