What To Look For In A Starter Home

What should I look for in a starter home?

1. Location
2. Affordability
3. Good Condition
4. Potential for Longevity

If you are a first-time homebuyer, you likely have a lot at stake. Your first home is one of the most memorable major purchases you’ll ever make. And, the process of finding a starter home takes a lot of planning and preparation. 

That said, how do you narrow your selections down when it comes to picking a starter home? How do you make this selection as best as you can, to put you in the right spot to settle into a permanent home down the line?

To help you out, here’s what to look for in a starter home:

What’s A Starter Home?

A starter home is one that’s bought by a first-time homebuyer. They are often smaller homes, such as single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums. They also tend to be less-costly investments that are friendly for young professionals who are just getting started in their careers or building families. 

Buying a starter home gives you the chance to break out of renting properties, save money, and build up your home equity. They also provide a lot more flexibility than a “forever” home, which is needed when you’re still in the process of figuring out big life decisions, such as your profession or the possibility of a family. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating potential starter homes:

Location

As with any home that you’re considering, you have to keep your starter home’s location in mind. Do you want to live in the heart of the Metro, or somewhere closer to nature? 

The great thing about choosing to move to a more rural area is that many places, such as Batangas and Cagayan de Oro, are just as developed as cities in Metro Manila. They offer many of the same amenities and lifestyle perks, with the added benefit of having green and sustainable communities. And, with the nationwide shift to work from home (WFH) setups, you can easily move to such cities without having to put your career on hold! 

Aside from the city itself, you also have to consider if the location of the potential home is nearby any amenities you need. Having a short driving distance to the mall, school districts, hospitals, and commercial hubs are all great things that you’ll appreciate once you settle into your starter home.

 

Affordability

Another important thing to look for in a starter home is affordability. How much are the down payment and monthly mortgage payments? And, how much do you expect to spend on your utilities, repairs, and property taxes? Are there any association fees or monthly payments you need to pay for this property? Finally, do you think you can manage to cover any unexpected expenses that could come with the home?

These are all important questions you should ask when vetting a starter home. You should always go for options that you can comfortably pay for.

That said, we do recommend avoiding foreclosed or distressed properties. While these fixer-uppers may be on the cheaper side at first, they come with many pitfalls that may cost you more in the long run. 

 

Good Condition

One of the biggest things you have to contend with when you decide on owning a home (rather than renting one) is that it is now your responsibility to deal with home maintenance.

No more calling the landlord when something breaks or goes missing. It’s entirely up to you to take care of any problems your home encounters. This can be quite daunting to deal with. So, try to look for a starter home that’s already in good condition. With this, you wouldn’t have to worry about replacing or repairing any fixtures anytime soon.

Going for a newly built starter home is one of the best moves you can make. But, make sure to get a thorough home inspection — even if the property is fairly new — before moving forward with buying it. 

 

Potential for Longevity

When you buy a home, you want to be able to live in it for at least the next few years. The same is true for starter homes. You have to consider if this property is somewhere you can settle down for at least two years. Ideally, though, it should be a place you call home for the next five years. 

Take a good look at the neighborhood, school district, commercial district, and other benefits the property offers. Can you see yourself making a life in this place for the next few years? Generally, gated communities — such as Pueblo de Oro Pampanga — offer many amenities that allow them to accommodate many lifestyles and resident needs! 

As a master-planned community, they are built with great open spaces for you and your family to enjoy and are located just minutes away from malls, hospitals, and schools. 

A starter home in a gated community can easily support the life changes you experience in the coming years.

 

Key Takeaway

With our guide on what to look for in a starter home, you have what you need to narrow your choices down to the perfect property! That said, you may now be on the search for homes that fit the bill. If so, feel free to message Pueblo de Oro today. With communities in great provinces like Batangas, Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu, we’re sure to have the home of your dreams in our listings!