As a first-time homebuyer, deciding what home you want to buy is one of the biggest (and most exciting!) decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s important to choose a home that’s going to feel like the right choice for many years to come.
But while everyone will have a different idea of their “dream” first home, there are definitely some homes that you might want to avoid as a first-time homebuyer.
So what, exactly, are those homes?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined the worst homes for first-time buyers, including:
- The “too cozy” home. Many first-time buyers are in the early stages of their adult life and may not have a partner or children when they make the purchase. But if you’re planning on having a family, it’s important to take that into consideration when buying your first home. Buying a home without considering your future partners and/or kids could put you in a position where your home is too small to accommodate a growing family, which will leave you either uncomfortable, or on the market for a new, bigger home.
- The “too much” home. On the flip side, you don’t want to buy a home that’s too big. Taking care of a house is a lot of work, and the more house there is, the more work there is to do. Plus, larger homes are generally more expensive, and can stretch your budget as a first-time homebuyer.
- The major fixer-upper. There’s nothing wrong with buying a home that needs a little work, and there’s always a chance that you’ll have to do a little TLC to make the place your own. But a major fixer-upper can be a money pit, and if you’ve never owned a home before, you might not be prepared for the time, energy, and money it will take to get your fixer-upper into livable condition. Ideally, look for a home that’s fully functional as is, and, if anything, needs simple renovations, like a bathroom upgrade.