Buying a home is a complicated, time-consuming process and can be exhausting. Prospective buyers need to enter the process with a clear understanding of what they are looking for in a home. Choosing a real estate agent that understands and listens to your needs is equally important. Use this guide as a checklist to help communicate to your agent so there is a clear understanding – this will stop both of you from wasting time during the home-hunting adventure!
What Are Your Top Priorities For Your New Home?
- Location, location, location? Proximity to work, schools, activity/entertainment centers?
- Bedrooms/Baths/Garage – How many? What’s the minimum?
- Move-in condition? Or are you willing to settle for a “fixer-upper” if your other criteria are met?
- Style? Ranch, Split, Colonial, etc.?
- Age? Older homes come with the possibility of repair work in the short-term (HVAC, windows, roofing, etc.).
- Neighborhood? Are you looking for a stand-alone home with few neighbors that are spread out, or do you want more of a community feel?
This is a short list of possible criteria that need to be worked out in your home search. Every homebuyer has different needs and wants – be sure to spend time explaining yours to your agent. One of the most important things to get right is choosing the right inspector for your new home. Whether you are considering a new construction home or an existing home – a thorough, comprehensive inspection is critical. You’ll come away with a home inspection report that helps you learn about your home.
A home purchase is usually the single largest investment anyone will make in their lifetime, please contact us for more information on the home inspection process and the peace of mind we can offer.
Trends In The Wichita Housing Market
- The median listing price is $135,000. Median pricing is just that, median – you will find homes ranging from $70,000 to upwards of $400,000 in Wichita, depending on the property size, location, and amenities.
- Homes sold quickly in 2017, with 37% selling in 10 days or less and that trend is expected to continue into 2018. The home inventory is tight in the $150-200,000 range, driving above average price increases also with a 3.7% increase projected for 2018.
- Part of the reason for the existing home inventory shortage is the fact that more and more homeowners are choosing to stay in their homes and make needed upgrades or remodel rather than sell and buy up. Because of the inventory shortage, buyers should consider a new construction home as an alternative.
Resources For New Residents Of Wichita
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and is home to three major universities; Wichita State, Wichita Area Technical College, and Butler Community College. If you have children in or about to enter college age, the state university system is a very affordable option.
City Hall
You can learn about the city’s infrastructure and political makeup and what is available to Wichita residents at the City Hall website. Information on the parks and recreation system is important to you if your family is active and used to spending a lot of quality time outdoors. If you find a gem in the rough that would be perfect once you put your own stamp on it during your house-hunting, you should visit the city code page on the City Hall website before considering making any major changes to an existing property. You don’t want to find out after the fact that your renovation plans are not permitted because of a code issue.
Schools
Schools are vital to the home-buying search. Researching schools are made easy thanks to all the information available online today. You can visit Trulia.com to research schools or go directly to the Board of Education site for information.
Entertainment and Activities
Another crucial deciding factor in settling on a home choice is the entertainment and activities available for the family. Wichita is home to over 600,000 residents, and there are many varied and fun things to do in the city. The weather in Kansas can be unpredictable sometimes, and there is a wide selection of indoor activities available. If you are looking for adult activities, plenty is happening for you to explore also. There are live music venues and clubs for an adulting night out. Take a few minutes to examine the wide range of great things to do in Wichita – you might be surprised at what is available!
Sources: Wichita Eagle, Realtor.com, Wichita State University, City Hall-Wichita, Trulia.com, Visit Wichita
Hoffman Home Inspections
520 E 53rd St S
Wichita, Kansas 67216
Tel: 316-202-8206
hoffmanhomeinspectionks@gmail.com
Roofing License #19-009483
Our Services
– General Home Inspection
– Aerial Roof Inspection
– Stucco Moisture Testing
– Sprinkler Systems
– Mold Testing
– Thermal Imaging
Other Services
– Sewer Scope
– Radon Testing
– Termite
– Drain Inspection
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am – 5pm
*Last inspections start no later than 4:30pm
Sat: 8am – 1pm
*Last inspections start no later than 12:30pm
Service Areas
Home inspection areas (but not limited to): Andover, Arkansas City, Augusta, Bel Aire, Derby, El Dorado, Emporia, Goddard, Haysville, Hesston, Hutchinson, Kingman, McPherson, Mulvane, Newton, Park City, Pratt, Rose Hill, Valley Center, Wellington, Wichita, and Winfield. *Distance Fees Apply for Areas Outside of Sedgwick County
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