Everyone desires a space that they can call their own. However, buying and owning a house can be a challenging process. The housing market today is quite ruthless; therefore, purchasing a brand-new home can be out of the question for many potential homeowners such as yourself. So, what do you do? Well, there are still numerous options for you to explore, one of the most popular being buying a second-hand house.
In May 2023, house prices in Orlando, Florida, went up to $370K. This might not be a manageable number to achieve for many. So, there is nothing wrong with investing in a second-hand home. Here are some factors you need to consider when buying a second-hand home to end up with a house that meets your specific needs:
A Look into Living in Orlando
Orlando has always been popular among visitors; it is home to Universal Studios, Sea World, and Walt Disney World, along with being the hotspot for authentic Vietnamese and Puerto Rican dishes. However, apart from tourism, Orlando is a wonderful place to live. The city is a great place to start a family since it has some of the finest schools, environment, and natural scenery. So, if you want to secure a good education and a privileged life for your children, Orlando is the place to be.
The only downside of living in Orlando is the expensive housing market. According to research, a family of four needs about $3.4K to cover their monthly expenses, while rent for a one-bedroom home can go above $1.5K in Orlando. In such circumstances, as you try to find a suitable second-hand home for yourself, consult professionals who are well-versed in Orlando property management and can help you find a perfect home for a reasonable price.
How to Buy a Second-hand Home in Orlando?
Searching for the ideal property takes time and effort. It would help if you filtered through numerous options of pre-owned homes to find one that suits your needs. Here are some factors you should consider exploring before you accept a deal:
1 – Search for an Affordable Property
Not all second-hand homes are cheap. If you want to strike a jackpot, you must check out affordable neighborhoods around Orlando. While a real estate agent can connect you with different property owners, you need to check out streets like Kissimmee, which lies in the seat of Osceola County and is the best place to find affordable houses.
Kissimmee also has scenic creeks nearby, like the notable Shingle Creek and Lake Toho, which are great for kayaking. Homeowners in this region make around $35,000, a fairly decent income and enough to help one make a comfortable life.
On the other hand, Lake Nona is another excellent location to check out. Lake Nona has a range of properties. While it has some high-end properties, it also has affordable houses. This area is adjacent to popular sites like Walt Disney, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
2 – The Size of the House
When choosing a property for yourself, purchase one with enough room for your family. Even if you’re on a budget, you need to be realistic about your family’s needs. If you can’t afford a large house with many rooms, try to find a place with an attic, which can be converted into a makeshift room. Furthermore, ensure that the house has a functional kitchen, enough bathrooms, and a space where your family can hang out together.
While you can compromise on the dining or drawing room, find a house that at least comes with a comfortable living room. In some cases, you can combine rooms. If the house’s infrastructure is firm, and you can easily knock down a few walls without compromising the structure’s integrity, you can renovate your second-hand home on a budget.
3 – Inspect Each Room
You need to evaluate every room in your house to ensure it’s usable. No matter how impressed you may seem by a house’s exterior, you need to individually explore every room and confirm that you’re willing to live there. Dig deep, and check the pipes, faucets, and bathrooms. If the bedroom looks worn, the walls look like they need fresh paint, or you see signs of mold, don’t sign the house. While you may not find a second home in pristine condition, it should at least be livable.
Evaluate the state of the house and decide whether you’re willing to invest more money into renovations. If you have to spend a significant amount of money to revamp the house and get the entire unit fixed, then buying that property might not be worth it. Stick to your budget and figure out what house you can get with minimal hassle.
4 – Negotiate the Costs
Your final challenge is negotiating the property’s price and bringing it down to an affordable cost. One of the advantages of buying a second-hand home is that you can haggle the expenses until you’re at an agreement with the owner. Since the property isn’t brand new and has been lived in, you have a good chance of bargaining and putting your demands forward.
While you can’t drastically cut the price, you can save enough to acquire a pre-owned property. A practical method to ensure that you get a good deal is to investigate the market rate, average house costs in your preferred neighborhood, and margin you have to negotiate a discount.
Final Thoughts
Buying a second-hand home is an investment, but before you can secure the deal, you must learn how to acquire a suitable property. This involves finding a good neighborhood to live in, comparing homes to find one that can accommodate your family’s needs, and ensuring the house is functional. Living in a pre-owned house doesn’t mean you should compromise on luxury. Once you get a decent place for yourself, it can easily become your forever home.
