7 Things To Look For When Searching For Homes In Colorado Springs

Looking to buy a new home in Colorado Springs? Congratulations! It can be fun and exciting to think about your new life in your new home, but the reality of home buying can be a little less dreamy. There will be compromises when it comes to your must-haves and your budget, but if you get your priorities in line before you start your search, you’re more likely to find a home that aligns with both your needs and wants. We’ve compiled a list of a few things to keep in mind when searching for a new home in Colorado Springs.

Probably the most important place to start is understanding your budget. You don’t want to get your heart set on a home only to find you can’t afford it. Price will ultimately determine what you can buy. Getting pre-approved with a mortgage lender for a specific amount based on your income, debts, and credit history will give you a solid budget and parameters when it comes to price. Getting pre-approved allows you to see what you can afford and what you want to pay. These numbers may very well be very different. A bit of budget wiggle room is a good thing. There’s no real reason to.

Your home’s location is one thing you won’t be able to change, so this is a big one. You want to live in an area that you will enjoy and makes sense for your lifestyle. Things like your commute, nearby food and shopping, walkability, and other amenities that are important to you and your family need to be considered. Make sure to research what you can about the area. This includes information about schools, transportation options, road quality, flood zones, and anything else you and your real estate agent can think of that may impact the home’s value.

You want to ensure that your potential home will accommodate your family and your lifestyle. Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, storage space, and other qualifiers that can influence your decision. If you plan to work from home, you might want to consider space for an office or studio. If you have a large family or plan on starting one, you will probably want to look at larger houses with more bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re just looking for yourself or with a partner, it may make sense to look at smaller homes in Colorado Springs. A smaller home will also be cheaper to furnish and easier to keep clean and maintained. However, crossing the line from cozy to cramped is easy to do. You may want to look at a variety of house sizes within your budget to get a better feel of what will work best for you. Additionally, are you looking for a home on a sizable property with a large amount of outdoor space? Some buyers prioritize homes that feature things like decks, pools, or specific landscaping, while others see that only as an extra expense and time commitment. Keep your priorities in mind when looking at potential properties.

Size is important in your house hunt, but it’s vital to think about how that space is utilized. Look for a floor plan that is not only functional but effectively utilizes the home’s available space. Think about how you plan to use the rooms and if the layout works for you. For example, families with small children may not want a floor plan where the main bedroom is on a different level than the kids’ bedrooms. Take notice of window placements as well. If good natural light is important to you, you’ll want to make sure the house you’re looking at is oriented in a direction that gets good light throughout the Colorado seasons.

Consider your storage needs. Spaces like basements, attics, and garages offer larger storage space that may be ideal for your family and lifestyle. When viewing a home’s basement, make a note of whether it is finished. Basement remodels can be pricey, and many families prefer a finished basement for added living space. Keep an eye out for any water damage, and consider having a radon test done as part of the home inspection. If the home features an attic, pay attention to any signs of leakage or damage to any structural components. You may want to have a professional examine the insulation in the attic as well. If the property in question has a garage, think about what you plan to use it for. If you have more than one car or plan on using a garage for more storage or a workspace, you may want to consider a multiple-car garage.

What kind of heating does the house have? Does the furnace use electricity or gas? Some homes in Colorado Springs may use a boiler and radiator system or electric heaters. Is there a cooling system? Central air conditioning is not incredibly widespread in Colorado Springs, but some homes may have air conditioning units installed. Be sure to look for a home that utilizes cooling and heating systems that will work for you. Installing new or different systems can be costly.

You will also want to carefully inspect both the exterior and interior of your potential home. A home in need of major repairs might be priced lower than a similar home on the market, and the potential to personalize the home through the necessary repairs may seem appealing at first, but consider the return on investment for a major renovation won’t be 100%. Extensive repairs could delay your move-in date or complicate life in your new home. It’s unlikely you’ll find a home that checks all of your boxes and does not require any fixes, but it’s possible to find a gem that may only need some minor updates.

In the end, it’s important to separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves. Make sure the home meets your long-term plans and goals, and you’re on your way. Not sure where to start? Our team at Strategic Property Advisors can help you prioritize what’s most important to you and start your home search in Colorado Springs.