How to find the perfect home for your family
By Kaspar Caldwell, REALTOR® · Reviewed
12 things to check when looking for the right home for your family in North Mississippi: layout, storage, yard, commute, utilities, flood zones and long-term costs.
Short answer
The right family home fits your budget, your daily routine and your next 5 to 10 years. Check the layout, storage, yard, commute, utility costs, flood zone, roof age and septic or sewer before you fall in love with the paint color.
Key takeaways
- Layout and storage matter more than finishes.
- Check flood zones and drainage.
- Ask for utility bills and roof age.
- Picture your routine in the house.
The 12-point checklist
- Bedroom layout (split plan or all together)
- Number of bathrooms for busy mornings
- Closet, garage and attic storage
- Laundry location
- Usable yard and fencing
- Commute times at rush hour
- Flood zone and drainage
- Roof, HVAC and water heater age
- City sewer or septic
- Internet options (important in rural areas)
- Average utility bills
- Room to grow or add on
Don't pay extra for what you can change
Paint, light fixtures and flooring are easy to update. Location, lot and layout are not.
Get a second set of eyes
Kaspar Caldwell, REALTOR®, tours homes with buyers and points out what's easy to fix and what isn't, so your household makes a confident choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bigger yard always better?
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Not always. Bigger yards mean more upkeep. Think about how you'll actually use it.
Should we buy a fixer upper?
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Only with a realistic repair budget. Homes needing major repairs often won't pass a USDA appraisal.