There’s a lot that goes into buying a new home. As well as knowing what kind of home you want and where you want to live, knowing what to know when buying a house also includes understanding the amenities and features you want. Knowing what you want from home even makes it easier to buy homes in Minnesota because it allows a real estate agent to filter properties based on what you need and find the best home for you.
The more parameters you can offer – whether it’s things to include or exclude, the closer your agent can get to your ideal home. Of course, choosing too many parameters can make it difficult to find anything at all. Think about the things you really want (or don’t) and try to generalize as much as you can.
Construction and Yard Features and Amenities
Everyone has an image of their perfect home in their head. Some people want a big house and others would be happy with a small one. Some people want a patio or a deck, and others don’t. Here are some construction and yard features and amenities to consider;
- Swimming pool
- Sauna/steam room
- Spa
- Firepit/BBQ
- Courtyard
- Patio
- Deck
- Landscaping
- Lawns and gardens
- Automatic sprinklers
At the very least you should have some kind of yard. How big that yard needs to be, depends on if you have children/pets or plan on entertaining guests outside.
Basic Home Amenities and Features
Instead of picking a house made in a specific year, choose a range of ages for homes. For example, look for homes built before or after a certain year. Here are some basic home amenities and features to look for;
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Number of floors
- Utilities (gas and electric)
- Air conditioning
- Parking
Once again, your needs can determine what is considered essential. Retirement homes in Minnesota should have one floor, for example. Parking isn’t important if you don’t have a car and don’t plan on getting one. Don’t pay extra for things you don’t need. That’s the first step in knowing how to purchase a home.
Specific Home Amenities and Features
The four most important rooms in a home are the kitchen, bedroom, dining room, and bathroom. People will focus on amenities for those rooms above others. More and more buyers are interested in accessibility and other features too. These features can be added after buying a home, but it’s often a better idea to find a home that already has what you want.
Here are a few specific home amenities and features to consider;
- In the Kitchen
- Appliances – are they built-in or freestanding? What are they made from? Do they match the cabinets?
- Counters
- Dining bars
- Lighting
- Refrigerators
- Trash compactors
- In the Dining Room
- Combination dining and family room
- Formal dining room
- Space for a kitchen nook
- Outdoor kitchens
- In the Bedroom
- Size of master bedroom
- Outside access
- Balcony/Patio
- Remote furniture
- Which floor is it in?
- Closets and storage – walk-in?
- In the Bathroom
- Dual or triple sinks
- Vanity mirrors
- Separate shower and bath
- Tile/stone surfaces
- Skylights
- Heated floors
- Outside
Which amenities are available in your home can depend on the type of home you’re looking at. You aren’t likely to find a fine dining room at Minnesota rural property for sale, for example.
Energy Amenities
There are several amenities and features dedicated to how a home is powered and used in a home. They include;
- Ceiling fans
- Double, triple, or quadruple glazing
- Thermostats
- Window shutters
- Solar power
- Water heaters
- Skylights
Accessibility Amenities and Features
Some homes have more accessibility features than others. These are homes designed for people with disabilities and other health conditions. They are also designed for older people who need help getting around. These accessibility amenities and features include;
- Ramps
- Grab bars
- Walk-in showers and tubs
- Lower counters
These features should be considered essential for those that need them.
Summary
There are plenty of different amenities and features available for homes. A big part of knowing how to buy a home is knowing what you want from your home. Consider your choices and inform your realtor so they can help to filter the results and find the ideal Minnesota home for you.
Another part of knowing when to buy a home is knowing when to look for one. The best time to buy a house in Minnesota, for those curious, is during the spring or summer. The state is infamous for having harsh winters, and no one wants to look for a home in the winter.