4 Home Features Buyers Forget to Check

It’s easy to focus on must-have features when home shopping: the luxurious kitchen, the spacious backyard, the perfect living room layout. But what about the less obvious factors that can make or break your day-to-day living experience?

Here are four often-overlooked factors to consider when choosing your next home:

1. Connectivity

Most of us take reliable cell phones and internet services for granted, but these connections can still be spotty or unavailable in some areas. Rather than risk buying into a “dead zone”:

• Test your signal strength during showings. Make some calls and browse online to gauge signal quality.
• Talk to area providers about available network coverage, data plans and internet speed tiers.

2. Noise Levels

Noise pollution from highways, railroads or airports can disrupt your peace. To evaluate a neighborhood’s noise levels:

• Visit the area at different times of the day to gauge how quiet (or loud) it feels.
• Speak with neighbors to get a sense of the local environment.

3. Proximity to Safety Services

Living near a fire or police station has its benefits — namely a quick response time in case of emergency, and it can help some people feel safer at home. For those who need it, proximity to local hospitals can also be a major plus.

On the other hand, emergency vehicles can be disruptive, especially at night. If you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to noise, this may outweigh the potential benefits of living close to emergency services.

4. Future Development

Local construction projects can bring new and exciting amenities, but can also change a neighborhood’s vibe over time. It might be worth looking into:

• Zoning plans and permits for nearby properties.
• Upcoming developments that could impact traffic, views or overall community feel.

Are you ready to start your homebuying journey? Get in touch today to explore your financing opportunities.