Buying a new home is probably one of the biggest investments you'll make in your life. Don't you deserve the best? If you're looking in Texas, check out one of the top homes for sale. In Galveston County, this will mean looking at everything from one-bedroom condos in League City to large beach bungalows on Tiki Island. What makes a home "the best"? That depends on you - but here are a few things to consider!
- Proximity to the Gulf: Galveston County is located on the Gulf of Mexico, which has a number of rivers and streams. Wherever you live in this county, you won't be far from the beach! However, keep in mind that the nearer you are to the coast, the more busy your areas will be during tourist season. The water can also be a concern when the weather is bad, such as during hurricane season.
- Number of Bedrooms: The top homes for sale in this area vary greatly in pricing. A home in the city of Galveston, for example, will probably be much more expensive in homes of the same size in some of the smaller cities. Having a price range for yourself is important, but don't compromise on the number of bedrooms that you need just so you can afford a home in a nicer area. After a few months, you'll be frustrated because you need more room and the location won't ease that frustration. Along with the number of bedrooms, also look at other features within the house, such as the number of bathrooms, the size of the rooms, and counter space in kitchen.
- Community Amenities: When it comes to finding homes for sale, the home itself should not be your only concern. You also must make sure that the neighborhood is what you expect. The best homes will, of course, be in the best neighborhoods. Check for a community center, swimming pools, parks, tennis courts, beach access, restaurants, and shopping places. You may also want to check which companies will provide utility services, how much it will cost to get rid of your trash, what recycling programs are available, and how much parking will cost if you have to park on the street. Of course, if you should also check the school systems and after-school programs if you have children.
- Outside Space: Homes for sale will not only have beautiful carpeting, they'll have beautiful grass as well. If you're paying for one of the best homes, you should be getting a lot of room for yourself, your family, and any pets you have to roam. The front of your house and the front yard will be a first impression, and if you have small children or pets, you probably don't want to be too near to the road. The size of the back yard might also be important to you. Does the house have porches, decks, fountains, patios, pools, or hot tubs? These outdoor features can make the price of the home jump, and even a simple step like landscaping will make a home do from average to "top".
- Price: If you want one of the top homes, be prepared to shell out the big bucks - beach front property can go for well over a million dollars. However, a better approach, especially if you're on a budget, is to figure out your price range and than look for the top homes within that range. You'll still find some great bargains and some wonderful places to live, even if you can't afford a private helicopter pad or a maintenance and cleaning staff.
Of course, it doesn't matter what your real estate agent says; a house is not one of the top homes for you if it doesn't make sense to your situation. This is the most important feature for any home - you should fall in love with it. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with the home you choose to purchase.
