Often, homebuyers select a home based on its size, location, or price. However, if you’ve found several homes for sale in Winter Garden, FL that meet all of these needs, it’s time to start looking at the amenities each one offers.

In fact, you may even find a few amenities in a home that you love so much you’re willing to go a little over budget or be just outside of your preferred neighborhood to get them. Here are some of the top amenities to look for in a new home.

High-End Finishes

Marble countertops, real hardwood flooring, and ornate tile in the bathroom are considered higher-end finishes than carpet, laminate, and vinyl. If you see these more expensive finishes used in a home that still meets your price range, you may want to put in a bid sooner rather than later. Normally, these high-quality finishes come with a higher price tag.

Updated Bathrooms

While you won’t be spending as much time in the bathroom as you will in the bedroom, living room, and kitchen, it’s still an important part of your home. It’s where you will prepare for your day and unwind at night.

You want to look for bathrooms that have been remodeled or show that they’ve been taken care of. You don’t want to buy a house and then immediately decide that the bathroom needs to be remodeled unless, of course, you’re looking for a fixer-upper.

Good Kitchen Appliances

Your kitchen appliances (oven, range, refrigerator, and dishwasher) may or may not come with the house. Carefully review the buyer’s disclosure. The sellers will indicate if they plan on selling the appliances with the house or taking them to their next home. If they’re leaving these appliances, you certainly want to inspect them so you know if you should plan on replacing any of them soon.

Outdoor Spaces

Does the home have an inviting patio? What about a shed, pergola, fire pit, or other outdoor living area? These amenities can be very nice to have, especially when the weather is nice.

You also want to take the time to check out the exterior of the home, even if it doesn’t have a great outdoor space. Take a look at the gutters, downspouts, roof, and other coverings to see if there’s any damage. Although the inspector will catch minor damage, you can easily spot any major flaws that would require repair or replacement. You definitely don’t want to move into a new home only to discover that the roof needs to be replaced.

Ask About Upgrades

If you’re buying a brand-new home from a builder, ask about what elements of the home you can upgrade. Usually, model homes contain the top-of-the-line options, so don’t expect what you see to reflect what you actually get in your home. You may need to talk about the cost of specific upgrades and see what your budget can accommodate.

Don’t be afraid to go with the base package. It won’t impact the quality of the construction at all. If you do tack on a few upgrades, make sure you keep track of the final cost. This is one area where it’s very easy to keep going with higher end materials and finishes to the point that you go over budget.

Look at the HVAC and Other Systems

While you may not think of them at amenities, the house’s HVAC and hot water heater are certainly necessities. If they’ve recently been replaced or are still under warranty, you can consider them as amenities that can save you money.

Ready to Find a Great New Home?

Here at Florida Realty Marketplace, we’re ready to find you a great new home with all of the amenities you want. Contact us today to begin the search.