Hot Tips for House Hunting Down South

House hunting in the south is an entirely different world from house-hunting in any other part of the country. From the importance of researching property to the incredible food and culture found here, these are the top things to keep in mind while you're house hunting in the south.

Get to Know the History of the Area

Every area has a different history, and some may not be comfortable living there. Research every area before you buy your home to ensure your idyllic farm wasn’t once a plantation with a questionable past or that your riverside home isn't a piece of property that floods when the rains get heavy in the early summer. It's okay to be disappointed if a property isn't what you expected, but it's better to find out before buying.

Don't Think That Old Homes Are Cheap.

Older homes aren’t cheaper by any stretch of the imagination. Many assume that the older a property, the more out of date, and the cheaper it will be: but many older homes in the house are part of historical societies and are sold as if the home itself is an antique. Consider your budget carefully, and avoid overspending on a property off of a false assumption.

Consider the Type of City You Want

Every city in the south has a different personality. From amazingly busy cities like Atlanta or Orlando to smaller towns that feel quiet and peaceful like Leesburg, Georgia, what type of personality do you want the area you live in to have?

If you're unsure, think about what makes you feel the most at home. Do you want an active music scene? A certain type of food? Theaters? Find a city that offers what you need.

Think About Lawn Work

You may be in love with a property at first sight and adore the sweeping lawns under gorgeous trees: but consider how much work this is. In the south, the winters are short, so the growing season stretches far longer than some may expect.

This could result in you mowing your lawn in December, do you need as much open land as a large property may supply? Be honest with yourself, and consider the monthly cost of hiring someone to mow if you don't want to do it yourself.

Central Air is a Must

Although you’d assume almost all properties have central air in the south: that’s unfortunately not true. While looking at Memphis houses for sale, make it clear that you need central air and possibly central heating.

If you find a home and love it, and it doesn't have central air, consider trying to talk the homeowner down on the price so that it can cover putting in central air. The summers are only getting hotter, so it's vital you keep yourself cool.

You Deserve Your Dream Home

Although it’s hard to come by a perfect property, everyone deserves to have their dream home. This means finding a property that excites you, speaks to you, and feels like the place they want to spend the rest of their life: if you can’t find it, don’t be afraid to do the work to make one perfect.