Buying your first home is no simple proposition. In some cases, buyers get so focused on the meat and potatoes of the home buying process they neglect to consider small details that could be an issue later. Of course, A quality real estate agent is the best defense against this. It never hurts to know what to ask your agent about, though. Here are five things you should be sure to consider when purchasing your first home.

Location, Location, Location

The location of a property is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to its value. Just as important is its location in relation to your personal life. Drive the route from the house to your place or work and your kid’s school, giving you a good representation of your daily commute.

Windows

We’re not talking about the quality of your windows, although that is important. A small detail many shoppers overlook is what direction windows face. Check the home during sunrise and sunset to ascertain what kind of natural sunlight your home gets so you can reap the energy savings benefits of natural light.

Appliances

Have you gone appliance shopping lately? If you are a renter, chances are you haven’t. Outfitting a kitchen with new appliances can run up a high price tag. Before you make an offer on a home, check the appliances in the kitchen. New ones can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.

The Neighborhood

Of course, the home itself is most important, but be sure that the area around it works for you as well. Get information from your broker about the neighborhood like the crime rate, the schools, and what the neighbors are like. This is most important if you have children. Don’t just take your real estate agent’s word for it, though. Take a walk around the neighborhood to see what it’s like.

Security

Every property should be adequately secured for both safety and insurance reasons. A house that has a security system already installed saves homeowners from headaches down the road as homes with security systems are 300% less likely to be broken into. Before you get too excited, make sure that the system isn’t too outdated. Older versions probably need to be updated, making it is easier to just get a new one in many cases. If the system is outdated, it completely nullifies the benefit of having one in the first place.

As you can see, purchasing your first home is a much more complex process than you may have predicted. You need great representation in the form of a quality real estate agent to be on your side during the process. It never hurts to go into something with as much knowledge as possible.