Purchasing your first home is a big commitment. It’s important to take the time to make sure that you make the right choice. The following guide walks you through key factors to look for when buying your first home.

Look for a Home that Comes with a Home Warranty

Some of the fears that come with buying a home is that you are going to be responsible to pay for any issues that arise after you buy it. Purchasing a home that comes with a home warranty can make the purchase a little more appealing. Home warranty services cover issues that arise with the appliances, plumbing, heating systems, water heater and more. These services are available for a limited period of time but can often be extended later for an additional cost.

Look for a Home in a Good School System

If you have children or plan to have them in the future, you want to look for a home in a good school system. You can look up the ratings of the schools online. It’s a good idea to take a tour of the schools before buying a home to make sure that they live up to their online persona.

Look for a Home in a Safe Neighborhood

It’s important to be sure that you live in a safe neighborhood. Take the time to look up the crime statistics for the area where the home is located. This will give you peace of mind that you are going to be able to feel safe while you are in the home. You may also want to find a home that has a security system in it or one that can easily have one added to it.

Look for a Home with a Passing Home Inspection

Before a home is put on the market, it often has to pass a home inspection to ensure that the home is in good condition. It’s a good idea to pay for your own nonbiased inspection to be done. This will ensure that the plumbing, foundation, roof and other elements of the home are in good condition.

Consider if a Driveway is Necessary

There are some homes that don’t have a driveway or garage available for the homeowners to use. Having to find a parking spot on the street after a long day at work can be frustrating. Choosing a home with a driveway or garage provides you with a safe place to park your car so that you don’t have to worry about someone hitting it as they drive down the street or so that you can always have a parking spot when you need it.

There are often many options available when it comes to buying a home. Doing thorough research and taking the time to look at multiple homes will give you peace of mind that you make the right choice. Working with a reputable real estate agent can make the search easier because you’ll have access to more listings than you would have on your own.