Before you know it, 2020 will be nothing but a memory as the New Year rolls in. If you’re thinking about buying a home, the great interest rates make 2021 an excellent investment time. How do you go about finding the house that’s perfect for your family? Do you want good schools, ample room for everyone to have their own space, and a price that you can afford? Here are five tips to help you in finding the right home.

1. Look at the Long-Term Potential

Many people buy a home and only consider the needs of today. It would help if you looked at your future needs too. Is this home where you will put down roots and stay through retirement, or is this just a stepping stone in your master plan?

2. Is the House Flexible?

What you need today is going to change. Does the house have flexible areas, bonus rooms, and storage spaces that can accommodate your ever-changing life? Will there be enough room for another child or your aging parents that want to stay with you? You must consider both the now and near future before signing a 30-year contract.

3. Can You Handle the Maintenance?

Many people are considering suburbia areas for their quaint charm and private nature. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s understandable. However, can you handle the maintenance that comes with a rural dwelling? A sprawling five-acre piece of land sounds excellent, but can you mow and weed eat all that area with your busy life?

Additionally, getting an older home has much charm and character that you don’t find in newer ones, but can you tackle what’s behind the walls of that old home? Maintenance is a significant consideration when buying a property.

4. Is the House in the Right Community?

The community where a property is located is critical. Is the abode within reasonable proximity to your job? Does the area have good schools that are highly rated? How is the crime? When it comes to real estate, it’s all about location.

You can find the perfect house in the wrong neighborhood, and it can make you miserable. You need a place that checks most of the boxes on your community needs. A real estate agent can help you find the best deal for the neighborhood you desire.

5. Does the Home Have Good Resale Value?

You want to get a good deal on the home now, but you must also look to the future for resale value. Does the house need a lot of work? Can you overbuild for the neighborhood? You want to make sure if you invest any money in upgrades that you can recoup those funds at the time of sale. Appreciation is essential in any significant investment.

Are you ready to make a major purchase like a home in 2021? The interest rates are some of the lowest they’ve ever been. Now is the time to make your dream of owning a home a reality. Just make sure you use these five guidelines when selecting the right home to put down roots.