Buying a home is not an easy feat, especially if you’re new to the process. Those who’ve been through the home-buying process know ahead of time what to expect, so first-time homebuyers have a disadvantage when entering the market. At Inspecticore of Long Island, we share our knowledge and tips for what to know when buying a house for the first time.

1) Budget for Additional Costs

Saving up for a down payment is an admirable goal for homebuyers, but the first mistake you can make is not factoring in the other costs of buying a home. From paying closing costs to hiring a home inspector, you need to factor in those additional costs into your budget.

2) Hire the Right People

Whether you’re hiring a professional based on a referral or checking out online reviews, you need to do your research to make sure you’re hiring the right people. Find a real estate agent, mortgage lender, and home inspector that you trust to do a thorough job.

3) Let the Little Things Go

Let’s be honest — when you see a home with an unsightly paint color or outdated fixtures, it can be easy to get caught up in the overall aesthetics of a home. You have to remember that those small cosmetic details can simply be changed once the home is yours. It’s the major problems, such as mold, structural issues, or any other cause for concern outlined in the home inspection report that you need to decide if they are worth walking away from.

4) Review the Home Inspection Report

Speaking of home inspection reports, you need to be aware of what exactly is reviewed by the home inspector and included in the report. At Inspecticore, our comprehensive home inspections include a litany of areas we go over, including the roof, siding, gutters, foundation, and more. If you need something beyond the basics, like an inspection of the pool or a test for mold, we have specialty inspections that address specific concerns.

5) Plan for Life Ahead

Not only should you be thinking about what to expect during a home buying process, but you should also take into consideration your new life in the house. Are you prepared to handle having your own home? At Inspecticore, we set our customers up for success with assistance beyond the home inspection. All customers receive a complimentary one-year membership to Home Binder, an organizational tool for storing your home’s information, such as repair projects, insurance files, and appliance model numbers for recalls.

If you need a reliable home inspector in Long Island, Inspecticore is the company for you. Schedule your home inspection online, or call us at (516) 524-0673 today!