Imagine The Home In Five Years

When you view properties listed on the market, you will see them as they look today. Yet, once you purchase a new home, you’ll likely plan on living there for years to come. Since homes and neighborhoods change over time, it’s a good idea to imagine what the property and the surrounding area will be like over the years you plan to be there.

How do you do that?

To begin, take a close look at potential maintenance issues that may be coming up. Will the roof shingles need to be replaced in a couple of years? Is the furnace more than 15 years old? Will the bathrooms need to be renovated in four or five years?

Then, take a look around the neighborhood. Find out what construction projects, road improvements, and other improvements are underway or will be happening soon. Are there plans for a new school nearby? Is there a major shopping center due to be built down the street?

Also try to get a sense of the trends in the neighborhood. Does it seem like it will be a nice place to live over the next few years? Do the homeowners take good care of their properties?