4 Home Architectural Styles for First Time Home Buyers

Many people buying their first Northwest Edmonton home have a focus on affordability, easy maintenance and room for growth. Knowing what home styles meet these criteria can help you decide what kind of home to buy. If you're a first time home buyer, here's what you need to know.

4 Popular Styles

Of all the types of homes in Canada, four of them stand out as being especially well suited for first-time home buyers. These styles tend to be newer, which means they require less maintenance, and also tend to have plenty of room. Here's what you need to know.

Rancher

Ranch-style homes are spread out on one floor, so they're safe for households with small children just learning how to walk. Because they're all contained to one floor, many ranch-style homes also have slightly less square footage than some other home styles in this article. This makes them easier overall to maintain. Many ranch-style homes date back to the 1950's and 1960's. Some of them have older plumbing or electrical boxes, so pay attention to these potential home hazards when looking at new homes.

Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes date back to the 1930's and some of them date back to even earlier. They tend to be spacious, attractive, and simple. Craftsman homes often have hand-made details like built-in furniture, so they're convenient for growing families. This is an older style, so some craftsman homes may need upgrades when the homeowner moves in. First-time home buyers who don't want a fixer upper should get a good home inspection to ensure that the home they purchase is in good shape.

Split Level

Split-level homes date back to the 1950's through the 1970's. These homes have multiple levels separated only by a few stairs. They tend to be good homes for aging in place and raising small children just learning to walk. Split-level homes are newer than craftsman and many rancher homes, so they often have fewer maintenance problems. This makes them a good home for a buyer who doesn't want to spend all their time making repairs.

Millennium Builder

Millennium builders are the newest of all the home styles. They're boxy and have a lot of square footage inside, so they're good for growing families. Some Millennium Builders date all the way back to the 1980's, but many are newer. For a home buyer looking for a house where they can easily grow their family, Millennium Builders are an excellent choice.

Popular Features to Watch For

When selecting your home style, watch for these features:

• Open floor plan for entertaining and spending time with family.
• Walk-in closets for storing clothes and other items.
• Upgraded electrical box and newer plumbing.
• Hardwood floors for durable, attractive flooring.
• Energy efficient home appliances.

Older homes like craftsman style and rancher homes may lack modern features, but working with a real estate professional, you may be able to negotiate for upgrades when making your home purchase.

Work With Your Real Estate Professional

It's especially important to work with a real estate professional when buying your first home. Your real estate agent can help you negotiate a good price and identify the home that will best meet your needs. Before getting started with your home search, contact a knowledgeable real estate agent in your area. Look for a real estate professional with good experience and good communication style, to ensure that your real estate agent will be able to help you throughout the home purchase process.