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Purchasing a Home in the NC Mountains

  • Purchasing a Home in the NC Mountains

There are many types of homes in the High Country of North Carolina.

Home styles range from traditional homes or rustic mountain homes in a development or in the country.  If you feel a mountain home should be unique then perhaps a log home, a rustic mountain cabin, or a small farmhouse with some acreage is perfect for you.  Another current style home to consider is a Craftsman style or a contemporary with lots of windows to take advantage of the long-range views that the Blue Ridge has to offer.  

Purchasing and Remodeling a Home: What Potential Owners Need to Know

Purchasing a home is a substantial financial commitment.  In addition to the primary mortgage payment, there are various other expenses that home buyers need to plan for upfront.  These include closing costs, homeowners’ insurance, and property taxes, among others.  Additionally, buying a home means making renovations to meet your personal needs and tastes.  To increase the value of your home as well as its resale potential in case you plan to sell it someday soon, consider remodeling key areas such as your kitchen or master bathroom.  Do you know what you need to look for when buying or remodeling a home?  This article will get you started.

Research the Area

Before buying a home, prospective buyers should research the area to ensure that it is a good fit.  For example, if you have a family and young child, be sure to look for an area with high-quality schools and plenty of parks.

Know Your Finances and Mortgage Options

The cost of purchasing a home and making renovations on it is considerable.  Before you buy or remodel your home, you need to know how much money you have available for the purchase and remodeling.  You will also need to know what type of mortgage you qualify for.  There are two main types: fixed rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).  Fixed rate mortgages are best when interest rates are low, as they offer long-term stability in terms of the monthly payments.  Fixed rate mortgages require a higher down payment than ARMs, but they are more affordable over time since the interest rate stays the same until the end of your loan term.  You may be able to get a lower interest rate with an adjustable-rate mortgage, but rates change over time, so it is important to do research before choosing an option. 

Before buying a new home, you need to know what your renovation needs are.  If you are planning to move into the area and want to remodel your home from top to bottom, you may want to start by looking for a new house.  But if you are going to stay in the area for some time, then it is more affordable to buy an existing home that matches your lifestyle and budget.  Once you have found the perfect property, take a good look at its current condition.  Specifically, think about how much work it will need to meet your needs and tastes as well as increase the property's overall value.  Ask yourself: * Will I be able to install my own kitchen cabinets, or do I need professional help?  * What kind of flooring is installed throughout my prospective home?  * Is there any landscaping?  Or do I need to plant flowers and trees?  * What kind of paint colors are on the walls?  Will they match my interior decorating style?  * Are all doors wide enough for my furniture or will I have to adjust before unpacking anything?  The answers might not always be clear right away, but these questions can help point out potential issues that should be addressed before making an offer on a particular property.  Knowing what renovations you will need can make things easier both when deciding on a property and budgeting for them afterwards.

Home Security Renovations

Home security is an important consideration when purchasing or remodeling a home.  When looking for homes, make sure that the doors and windows are sturdy and have deadlocks installed.  If you plan to remodel your home, think about installing security cameras, motion sensors, door alarms, or other security devices.  Before you buy a home, research the neighborhood to see if there's a homeowner’s association that requires strict adherence to certain guidelines like having an alarm system installed.  There are many more considerations to keep in mind when purchasing or remodeling a home.  Keep reading to learn more about these considerations and what specific things you need to think about before making your purchase!

Kitchen Remodeling

A kitchen remodeling project can include several different elements.  For example, new cabinets, countertops, and flooring are all popular choices.  But you also want to consider the appliances you will be using in your kitchen.  Will they need to be updated?  Do you have enough storage space for your needs?  What kind of lighting do you prefer?  All these questions are important when completing a kitchen renovation.  If this is your first time remodeling your kitchen, it is not easy to know what options are out there for the various fixtures and decor items.  That is why it is best to consult with a professional designer or contractor who can help guide you through the process and set expectations for what will work best for you.

Bedroom Remodeling

One of the most popular home remodeling projects is redoing a bedroom.  For example, you might want to include a walk-in closet, build out your current closet, or add some creative storage space for all your clothes.  There are many factors to consider when making these types of updates.  One thing you need to think about is if you have enough natural light in your room.  If not, you might want to install a skylight or window that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day.  You should also consider how much space you need for your bed and dresser as well as any other furniture or appliances that will be in your room.  Before remodeling any part of your home, it is important to make sure that it is right for you and your family.  The best way to do this is by sitting down with any roommates or family members who live with you and considering what changes will be necessary to accommodate everyone's needs.  You will want to take measurements of rooms so that everything fits the perfect size and design before trying to find the perfect pieces of furniture, paint colors, and more.

Bathroom Remodeling

One of the most popular remodeling projects is bathroom remodeling.  Why?  When it comes to homeowners, bathrooms are the space they use frequently.  If you are looking for a quick and effortless way to increase the value of your home, this is one of the best ways to do it.  One of the best investments you can make in your bathroom is installing a new bathtub or shower.  If you have a small bathroom, consider adding a wet room.  It is an innovative way to maximize space while still having a walk-in shower and bathtub combo.  The shower will be located inside the bathtub, surrounded by walls on all four sides.  This type of installation also has benefits for people with mobility issues who use wheelchairs and need extra support when entering and exiting the shower stall.  Many people also want their homes to include walk-in showers rather than standard showers because they provide more space for moving around without getting water all over your bathroom floor.  They also make it easier if someone else needs to help you bathe, a common scenario for many elderly individuals who are homebound.  Other popular renovations include removing outdated plumbing fixtures or updating your toilet with one that includes automatic flushing and heated seats perfect for chilly mornings!

Conclusion

Purchasing and remodeling a home is a big undertaking for most people.  For those who want to live in the High Country there are many neighborhoods to choose from and many factors to take into consideration before you decide.  Research the area, know your finances and mortgage options, assess renovation needs, and find the right home security renovations.  Once you have a better idea of what you need, you can start to find the right contractor to do your renovations.  It might not be easy, but it's worth it in the end.

Before starting your project, you may want to visit websites for the most recent ideas for renovating your home.

 

 

 


 

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