When it comes to your home purchase in Atlanta, you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. While many amazing features can add value to a property, there are also some features that can end up costing you in the long run. Things that sound good in theory but may not be worth investing your money into. The best thing to do is to consider all of the below features and see which of these you can and can’t live without. If you’re looking to save money on your home purchase in Atlanta, here are five property features you’ll want to rule out or at least consider ruling out.
1. A Swimming Pool
Let’s face it, Georgia gets home in the summer time and if you don’t have access to a lake nearby, a swimming pool is the way to go! But, while a swimming pool may seem like a luxurious addition to any home, it can actually end up costing you more than you bargained for. Not only is the installation and maintenance of a swimming pool expensive, but it can also add to your monthly utility bills. If you have an older pool that has a vinyl liner, chances are you’ve already had to replace the liner as they tend to rip. That’s thousands of gallons of water you’ll be adding to your next utility bill plus the installation of the new liner. Additionally, a swimming pool can be a safety hazard if you have children or pets. So, you’ll want to make it safer by adding some sort of fencing around it to ensure that nobody gets hurt by accidentally falling into it. Ultimately, if you’re looking to save money on your home purchase, it’s best to rule out properties with swimming pools.
2. A Large Yard
Having a large yard may seem like a dream come true, but it can also cost you more in terms of maintenance and upkeep. The larger the yard, the more time and money you’ll need to spend on landscaping, mowing, and irrigation. If you do not enjoy spending time outdoors or have the budget to hire a landscaping company, it’s best to look for properties with smaller yards. You don’t want to buy your dream home only to find yourself spending every Sunday maintaining it instead of enjoying it. The last thing you want is to work hard all week, just to spend your little amount of free time mowing the grass. Plus, you’ll constantly be stressed with it never being green enough or having too many weeds. Sometimes, smaller can be better.
3. An Outdated Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a major selling point for many homebuyers. However, if the kitchen is outdated, it can cost you more in the long run. Upgrading a kitchen can be expensive and time-consuming, and if you’re not handy with DIY projects, you might need to hire a contractor. If you’re looking to save money on your home purchase, it’s best to look for properties with updated kitchens or ones that require minimal upgrades. Now, if you want to hire a contractor or crew to update your kitchen, pending the size and the finishes you’re looking for, you can easily spend anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. For some, that’s doable and you might want your own touches in that kitchen. However, if you’re on a budget, look at getting a home with an updated kitchen. If you’re curious what makes most sense for you with your home purchase in Atlanta, reach out to us today and we can go through your options and the process.
4. A Large Home
A large home may seem like the ultimate dream to some people, but it can also end up costing you more in terms of utilities, maintenance, and repairs. The larger the home, the more space you’ll need to heat and cool, which can add up quickly on your monthly utility bills. Additionally, if something breaks down or needs repairs, the costs can be significantly higher for a larger home. Granted having all the extra space can make you feel more comfortable, especially if you have kids. But, if you don’t have a bunch of kids, considering a smaller home can be advantageous. So, if you’re looking to save money on your home purchase, it’s best to look for properties with smaller square footage. This is one of the many reasons some buyers opt for smaller homes in Atlanta.
5. A Fixer-Upper
While a fixer-upper may seem like a great way to save money on your home purchase, it can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Fixer-uppers often require extensive renovations and repairs, which can be expensive and time-consuming. If you’re not handy with DIY projects or don’t have the budget to hire a contractor, a fixer-upper may not be the best option for you. One of the biggest things we see happen is people who underestimate the cost of a job and then can’t finish the project. How terrible would that be if you started your kitchen but didn’t have the funds to finish it?!? Always get a second opinion before starting a major renovation and if you’re looking to save money on your home purchase, it might be smart to look for move-in-ready properties that require minimal upgrades.
If you’re looking to save money on your home purchase in Atlanta, it’s important to consider the long-term costs associated with certain property features. By ruling out properties with swimming pools, large yards, outdated kitchens, large square footage, and fixer-upper status, you can find a property that fits your budget and meets your needs and lifestyle. ATL Real Estate Services is happy to help you with your next home purchase in Atlanta. Give us a call today at 404-439-9984! Happy house hunting!
