Tips on Buying a House for Chico Home Buyers

There are many homes for sale in Chico, California.  Which home to buy depends on what your needs are.  However, there are some basic home buying tips I would like to share with you.  As a real estate agent in Chico, California, I can lead you to the perfect home utilizing these tips I have gained through experience.

Pick the home that has the location, backyard and kitchen you want.

That’s it.  What?  Yup, these are the 3 things that count the most and in that order.  Why?  These are the three things which buyers and sellers of real estate in Chico, California tell me they need and want and are difficult to fix once you don’t have them. All three attributes are related.   In my experience, it’s always one of these three things; location, kitchen and backyard that motivates the sell or purchase of a home in Chico.

Location: 

The need to be closer to work, off a busy road, by the park, closer to schools, etc.  Remember, you are buying a lifestyle when choosing your location. 

• Do you want wide-open spaces out in the quiet country?  Great, but are you prepared to drive a distance each time you need to return a movie, or go to the store? 
• Are you ready for Chico-sized mosquitoes when buying in the orchards? 
• Maybe you want to walk to the Farmer’s market, experience downtown, walk to Starbucks each morning and greet friends. Great, that’s another lifestyle altogether in Chico. Be prepared to live in an older neighborhood and home though.
• Whether on a golf course or on California Park Lake, be thoughtful of the lifestyle changes when choosing which home to buy.

Backyard: 

Ahhh… to BBQ in the backyard in Chico is to truly experience a summer in Chico.  Whether the home lot is too small or too big, buy the home with the yard you want.  Chico’s summers are long and enjoyable.  You will either be spending much time outdoors or hiding from the summer heat. 

Many older homes have huge yards while the newer homes are built with a greater neighborhood density and lot sizes are smaller.  A smaller backyard can be a great time saver for busy people or a disappointment to those who wish to build a pool or set up backyard volleyball net.

 Kitchen: 

Tip: it’s hard to find a newer home in the downtown area, but many homes can be beautifully remodeled.  Just be aware of the costs. Kitchen remodels start at $25,000.  I know, I’ve done them before and to truly update a dated kitchen in Chico you will need a minimum of $25,000.  This will include all new appliances, cabinets, countertops, electrical, flooring and a removal of a wall or two to open up the space.

My advice on buying a home in Chico is to prioritize which of the three elements (Location, Kitchen, and Backyard) is most important to you.  Remember, a small kitchen can be remedied at a price, but location and lot size cannot.

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