It seems like just about everybody is moving to the great state of Texas these days, and for good reason. Houston, for example, is a particular hotspot in the housing market right now. But, if you’re thinking about moving to Houston there are some things you’ll want to ask any realtor before you settle on a home. In case you’re considering moving to Houston, here are 5 questions to ask your realtor before you do.
1. How is the Foundation?
The foundation of a home is important for many reasons. Without a solid, level foundation, your home might experience any number of issues from tilting to flooding, mold growth, and more. The Frame Construction is of particular importance, and you might want to think about looking for a home with an ICF frame rather than a typical wood frame. Extreme weather and flooding can be common in Houston, so you want a home that can stand up to it.
2. When Was it Last Remodeled?
If your home hasn’t been remodeled in a while, certain aspects of it might be out of date. Kitchen countertops tend to be pretty important to some people, so checking with your realtor to see what the countertops are like might be a good idea. If they have quartz countertops, for instance, you might be interested in quartz countertop colors and if they match your tastes.
3. What’s the Surrounding Area Like?
One of the most important factors to consider when buying your first home is what the nearby area has to offer. If you have a family or are planning to start one, it’s important to look at nearby schools to help plan accordingly for the school year. Nearby parks and trails are also an important consideration if you have kids or enjoy going on walks or runs.
Take a drive around the area and see if you spot some of your favorite restaurants or stores that would be a short drive from your new home. Some of the suburban areas like Katy, River Oaks, The Heights, and Montrose are places with thriving communities with great areas to consider.
4. How is the Condition of the Roof?
As stated above, Houston tends to see some pretty high winds on occasion. Hurricanes commonly pass through, so your roof needs to be solid. Ask about the roof and what the shingles are like. You’re going to want high quality asphalt shingles so you can avoid roof damage and leaks.
5. When Was it Built?
While most of the homes in Houston tend to be on the newer side, there are some which were built quite a while ago. If you happen to buy one of these older homes, you could find yourself dealing with creaky floorboards, leaky pipes, and a general lack of energy efficiency.
Know Your Stuff Before You Buy a Home in Houston
Now is a great time to move to Houston, but you need to be informed on your home before you go through with the purchase. The 5 questions we’ve laid out here for you are of the utmost importance to ask your realtor before buying a home in Houston. As long as you remember to ask the right questions, you should have no problem finding the perfect home to buy in this beautiful city.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.