When it comes to purchasing a home, most Buyers focus on price and location. However, before your checkout properties, make sure you identify your non-negotiables. As I continue to help my friends purchase their first home, here are three things that frequently come up:
Parking
Parking is something most first-time homebuyers overlook. If you need two parking stalls, you should only by looking at homes that have two (or more) parking stalls. It's that simple.
In addition, if you're looking to purchase a condo, make sure you check out the parking stall. Is the parking stall full size? Is the parking stall next to a wall or pillar? In reference to the parking stall, where is the entrance to the condo?
If you're looking to purchase a detached single-family home, take the time to checkout the garage or carport. It might actually be worth your time to park your car in the garage or carport too.
Water Sprinklers
After the Marco Polo fire, some Buyers only want to live in condos that have fire sprinklers. That is completely understandable. However, it's important to know that numerous condos in Honolulu don't have fire sprinklers (since it wasn't required when these condos were built). If you're wellbeing is on the top of your non-negotiable list, stick with it. Having peace-of-mind is important.
Washer-Dryer
Not all condos have a washer and dryer in the unit. Matter of fact, most older condos have community washer-dryer. However, there are condos that have community washer-dryer, but the units have the plumbing hookup to have a washer-dryer in the unit.
If you're purchasing a detached single-family home, most Sellers will include the washer-dryer with the sale of the home. This would be disclosed in the "Inclusions" section on the MLS.
-RO