By: Deanna Rowser

What type of homebuyer are you? Choosing what type of house to buy for your first home can be as important a choice as the decision to buy versus rent. There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing your first home:

Ask yourself if you are a person who loves to take on projects. Then ask yourself if you are a person who FINISHES projects. There is a difference. If you are contemplating taking on a fixer-upper, you need to have access to the time, skills, and resources to complete the job in a timely manner and to code.

What if you are an older first-time homebuyer? Do you need to consider how you intend to “age” in the home? Then you might consider purchasing a single-level ranch-style home or a home with a first-floor master bedroom and a same-level laundry.

Does the idea of having assistance paying your mortgage appeal to you? Also, does the idea of evicting a tenant make you feel uneasy? Purchasing a multi-family home might be an option but know that not everyone is cut out to be a landlord. However, a big perk to purchasing a multi-family as your first home, is that when you are ready to purchase a single-family home, it would be as if you are purchasing a first-home again, eligible for first-homebuyer interest rates and incentives, Whereas, if you buy a single-family home first and a multi-family home second, the multi would be considered an investor property and would be subject to a larger down-payment and higher interest rates.

Do you need to consider accommodations for your extended family? At least two-and-a-half bathrooms is necessary for minimum harmony in a multi-generational household.

In today’s post-pandemic world, do you need a home office where you can work quietly or a dedicated space for homeschooling? Then a spare or bonus room, a finished basement or attic will be a must. Make sure the house is wired for internet and gets great reception.

There are so many factors about your lifestyle that you need to consider when choosing the type of home to buy to ensure that it will serve your existing needs and address many of your future needs as well. Doing so will reduce the amount of stress and headache you will experience while you make your new house a home.

Now that we have decided on the type of house, what to tackle first? The general rule is the exterior. If there are any deficiencies on the exterior left unaddressed, they may negatively impact any work you are considering on the interior. Make sure the roof, windows, gutters, and foundation are sound. If any of those items need to be addressed, do so immediately. In multi-level houses, it is easier to work from the top down than the bottom up. This will generally keep you from having to re-open walls and

pay for double labor. Upgrades to the plumbing and electrical systems, if necessary, must be among your priorities. In this cold weather zone, the heating and cooling systems need to be fully functional and efficient. None of these items are inexpensive undertakings, but all are extremely important in ensuring any cosmetic or structural changes you are considering are not completed in vain.

Next month, defining and designing the renovation.