Buying a home is no small feat and requires diligent planning and in-depth research. When buying, don’t fall for just the amenities or the wall paint or the cute balcony and finalize on the apartment pronto. You need to take your time, look around at numerous apartments, before finally making a commitment. The best thing would be to make a list of all the things you want to be included in your apartment, after all, buying a home usually happens once in a lifetime and you wouldn’t want to compromise on anything.

Here are some tips on helping you choose the right apartment for a home:

Know your priorities:

Shopping for a home be it an apartment or a villa is big business and you need to be very vigilant you don’t get taken for a ride. Keep one eye firmly fixed on your list of priorities in a home while you shop around. The location and the cost of the apartment are key elements that should always be at the forefront of any decisions you make.

Neighborhood:

When finalizing an apartment, scope out the neighborhood. Check for sources of noise or air pollution. The neighborhood should also be crime-free, and safe enough for your kids to walk home alone. Stalk your neighborhood at nighttimes too to get an idea of night-time activities in the area.

The Brand:

The builder you go with has a lot to say about the apartment you will be buying. A branded builder is more likely to stick to standard transparent practices and offer quality finishings and fittings in the apartment. You are also more likely of getting timely delivery of the apartment (if it’s under construction).

Budget:

The finances are another important aspect to keep in mind. As most people make a down payment of about 20% or so and the rest is paid by the bank in the form of a home loan, it’s important you go with a bank that offers you decent interest rates. Your monthly EMIs should leave sufficient funds to run the house for the rest of the month.

Floor Plan:

Make sure that you know the difference between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. Many glossy brochures might fool you into believing that the actual carpet area of the apartment is represented by the built-up area. Be careful and ask pertinent questions.

Amenities:

Though amenities are important too, they should be the last item on your list. Amenities like swimming pools, gyms, play parks, clubhouses, game courts, and party halls add more zest to living in your apartment.