What to Look for When Buying a Home in the South

The southern United States is a world all its own: Southern hospitality is its own brand of kindness, the intersections of a plethora of cultures makes for unique ways of living in very specific pockets, and much of the nation’s history is shaped by events that happened there.

 Many people are looking to head to the lower half of the nation. Whether you’re perusing Birmingham homes for sale or contemplating a condo in Miami as your main residence, here are some things to consider when scouting a potential home. 

Be Aware of the Climate

The south has two distinct areas when it comes to climate. The Deep South (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina) experiences warm spring days and incredibly hot summer days and nights. Winters are cold in the sense that the average temperature hovers around 52 degrees. 

The Piedmont (Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina; Tennessee; Virginia and West Virginia, plus the mountains and foothills of Arkansas and South Carolina) have similar spring and summer temperatures, but are much cooler in the mountain areas.

 On the whole it’s a cooler area with an average of 44 degrees, and a rare sighting of snow. 

Take Note of Other Weather Occurrences

Certain areas of the south are draws for major weather events like tornados, floods, droughts, and hurricanes.

Research the area you’d like to move to well to determine if this is a repetitive occurrence there. You’ll want to know not just for peace of mind, but to ensure you’re getting proper insurance coverage on your home. 

A Solid Exterior

No matter where you’re moving, you’ll want to look for a house with a solid exterior. How new is the roof and what condition is it in? Is the siding in a good way, or peeling and falling off?

You should also consider the curb appeal of the home, how inviting it looks to those observing from afar. This can include things within the landscaping layout, a beautiful front porch, proper lighting, and other usable spaces in the front.

A Strong Foundation

Most importantly, make sure the foundation is sound. Foundational repairs can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, so you want to ensure there’s nothing major happening before buying a home.

The Neighborhood Fits Your Style

There are so many wonderful places to choose from in the south. You can be a young professional just starting out in your career and looking for a nightlife scene, or a family with children who want a house with a big backyard for playing.

 Visit your potential place of residence if you can to get a feel for it, as well as local grocery, gas stations, restaurants, and any other establishment you might want to frequent.

 It also helps to check out crime reports to see how safe the area is.

Size is Right

It might sound silly, but some people get so wrapped up in the notion of a dream home they often forget the more practical side of buying a house.

 Make sure it has not only the amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, or spare rooms you want, but also surrounding space that fits your needs.

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