The Arbor Estates - Your New Home

You've got a steady job, a fairly nice income, and an inheritance from your recently deceased great-uncle Billy. For most of your life, you've lived from paycheck to paycheck, in a run-down apartment close to the landfill and now you're finally able to trade up for something nicer - a real house. Once you've begun your search, you should really do your research beforehand to know what you want and what you're looking for. To that end, here are some helpful tips and tidbits to give you a hand in knowing what to look for in your dream house.

First, you want to narrow down your search parameters. For example, if you're planning on buying in the New Orleans area, you will want to check out the Arbors Estates community. The houses are nice and large and situated among the wildlife and trees so you get a real feel for the environment once you settle in. After you have a list of possible houses in that community, you will want to start visiting them with your real estate agent.

One thing you should look at is the kitchen appliances. The appliances are what contribute the most to the price of the house and so you want to be sure that they are functional and new. Don't be afraid to open up the oven and refrigerator to see if they look like they'll need servicing anytime soon. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you'll want to be sure that you have appliances you can use.

Know what is expected in your price range as far as finishes and building materials go. If you want granite countertops and hardwood floors, you need to be aware of how much this is typically going to cost and be sure that your price range can afford the top of the line finishes you want. While you're taking the tour of the house, be sure and pay attention to the ceiling. Water stains will be a telltale sign of problem plumbing and money-eaters. You will also want to check for cracks in the drywall or in the area where the drywall meets the ceiling. These should be a warning sign and will definitely be something you should address before signing a contract.

If you're buying in a community like the Arbor Estates or anywhere else, you will want to check out the neighborhood. What kind of amenities are included? In the Arbor Estates, there are plenty of outdoors things to do, from nature trails to wildlife parks and plenty of woods for kids to explore. When looking at a subdivision or neighborhood, see if you can get an idea of what kind of people will be living around you so that you can be sure the neighborhood is somewhere you can be comfortable.

Buying a house is a big deal and a big milestone. Make sure you do your homework before you set foot in the first house and enjoy the ride!