Subjective Factors To Consider When Buying A Home

Real Estate Blog

Homebuyers consider numerous issues to ensure they land a perfect home. Some of these factors are straightforward and universally accepted. For example, everyone wants a safe home. However, other factors are relatively subjective and vary from person to person. Below are some of the subjective factors you should consider.

Source of Water

Many people use city or well water; the former comes from the city's water treatment facility. Both well and municipal water have pros and cons; in most cases, the choice comes down to personal preference.

For example, you don't have to pay monthly water bills if you use well water. Well water is also reliable since it's not subject to supply interruptions outside your home. On the other hand, municipal water usually has a consistent quality that well water might lack.

Waste Management

Like water supply, waste management is also available in two main forms. The first is a sewer system, where waste from the house flows to a central treatment facility that the local government manages. The second is a septic system, where waste flows to an onsite treatment facility. Again, both forms have their pros and cons.

For example, septic systems are relatively affordable, environmentally friendly, and unaffected by issues in the community waste management system. However, weather problems such as flooding do not affect sewer systems as much as septic systems. In addition, you are not responsible for your sewer system's maintenance; the government handles the maintenance.

HOA

Some properties fall within the jurisdiction of homeowners associations (HOAs) that make and enforce rules for the homeowners within the communities. You automatically become a member of the HOA if you buy a property it manages. HOA membership comes with various benefits, including

• Maintenance of common areas and property exteriors  
• Access and parking regulation
• Affordable access to leisure facilities, such as swimming pools and tennis courts

However, some people feel that HOA rules are too restrictive. For example, your HOA may have a say on which color of siding or roof you can have. Others frown upon the regular fees HOAs collect from their members to manage the properties.

What the average homeowner considers an ideal home might not be your ideal home. List your needs and wants, and use the list to narrow down on the property you want. You can also discuss your ideal house with a residential real estate professional and let them help you with the search.

1 July 2022