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Buying on a Budget: 3 Things Not to Skimp Out On

Lots of first-time home buyers are being forced to work within a tight budget due to the struggling economy, but there are some amenities that are always worth the money, no matter how light your wallet is. Here are three things that you should never cut corners on when buying a house:

1. The Number of Bedrooms. Houses take a while to pay off, which is why you should always be thinking about the future when buying a home. If you’re planning on having two children within the next 10 years, then make sure that your house has at least three bedrooms. Although bedrooms are one of the biggest factors in determining a home’s price, if you spend the money for a few extra rooms now, you won’t be left feeling overstuffed and claustrophobic when you begin to fill them up.
2. Thick Walls. The thickness of a home’s walls should be a major consideration when you’re looking for a place to settle. The thin walls found in older houses might be more affordable, but they’re also poor insulators when it comes to both heat and sound. You’ll surely thank yourself for thinking about the walls when Old Man Winter comes knocking this season – or when your kid brings home that first band saxophone.
3. A Healthy Amount of Hardwood (or Laminate). Wood is good, especially when your floor is made of it. Not only are hardwood, laminate and linoleum floors easier to maintain than carpeted floors, they’re more resistant to permanent damage that might otherwise sink your property value. No matter how soft that shag carpet feels, remember that it’s a magnet for dirt, stains and water damage.

When it comes to buying real estate investments, the old adage holds true – you get what you pay for. You’re not going to get much of what you want if you’re buying on a budget, but you can at least make sure that your walls, floors and bedrooms are adequate for your future family.