February 27, 2024

What to Look For in a Starter Home (and Why RFO Units Fit the Bill)

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Buying your first home can bring mixed emotions. You may feel fulfilled about reaping the fruits of your hard work. On the other hand, becoming a homeowner can cause uncertainties. You might wonder if buying real estate at a particular time in your life is a smart move.

Luckily, starter homes provide an excellent entry point into homeownership. They can be your initial steps in property ownership, too.

What is a starter home and what should you look for when choosing one? Find out the answers in this blog.

What is a starter home? 

Think of a starter home as your gateway to homeownership. If you’re a first-time property buyer, starter homes are a great way to enter the real estate market.

Starter homes may be for you if you are a young professional, newlywed, or looking to make a prudent investment in real estate.

But what makes starter homes more appealing as opposed to big property purchases? 

Firstly, a starter home is cost-effective, which you may find advantageous as you begin your homeownership journey. The financial commitment is more manageable and lets you transition from renting to owning a home. 

Besides affordability, these homes typically entail lower maintenance costs. This benefit can ease your burden while adjusting to the responsibilities of property ownership. 

Lastly, using a starter home as a potential income source or investment property opens doors for profitable opportunities.

What to Consider When Looking for a Starter Home

Choosing a starter home can be difficult if you’re unsure what to look for. Luckily, there’s a way to determine the best starter home you can invest in. The following factors are what you should look for in a starter home that’s right for you.

1. Good condition

Like any item or property, ensuring your starter home’s condition is essential for comfort and livability. Ready-for-occupancy (RFO) condo units excel in that regard. They undergo rigorous inspections and quality standards before developers deem them all set for tenancy. Most importantly, you can move in immediately without worrying about renovations or costly repairs. 

Say you’re eyeing a newly built RFO unit. Its fresh construction spells a comfortable move-in experience while minimizing the need for immediate renovations since it’s free from wear and tear. As a result, you can save time and money. RFO homes offer a safe and comfortable space from day one.

2. Lifestyle fit

Another thing to look for in a starter home is how well it caters to your lifestyle. Among the factors determining lifestyle fit are the property’s layouts and features. A well-fitted home should support your daily activities, from remote work to family gatherings. In turn, your day-to-day living becomes more enjoyable and efficient.

Regardless of your lifestyle, most RFO condo units feature a meticulous design for modern living. Whether you’re a small family or a young professional always on the go, RFO properties offer versatile living spaces that effectively adapt to your needs.

3. Goals and plans

Sometimes, your lifestyle and preferences can change over time. Your home should align with your evolving goals and plans, minimizing the likelihood of outgrowing the space and facing other challenges that might result in a premature move. 

However, some plans may require you to move out—like when starting a family—which might call for a bigger space. In that case, your starter home should be easily convertible into a source of income. Here, RFO condo units are your best bet. These units are readily available for renting, letting you earn money as you settle into a permanent home.

4. Exit strategy

Remember, your starter homes can be temporary. Acknowledging this reality can help you plan for your exit strategy effectively.

Before selecting a starter home, consider the property’s resale potential. You may get more value by choosing a location and type of home that will likely be in demand. This foresight ensures your investment serves your current needs and positions you favorably for future real estate endeavors. 

For example, RFO condo units in an up-and-coming neighborhood have an excellent market appeal and exit strategy. Besides immediate availability, their proximity to prime locations and bustling business centers can boost your real estate investment’s value.

5. Financing option

Flexible financing is another thing to look for in a starter home. Be mindful of your budget constraints, and ensure the home loan’s mortgage rates, terms, and down payment requirements align with your needs and long-term financial objectives.

The right financing option sets you up for a stable and sustainable homeownership journey. So, consider investing in RFO properties with flexible financing plans to make the purchase more manageable.

6. Additional costs

Homeownership often comes with costs other than the purchase price. These additional expenses include property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and maintenance expenses. Understanding the full scope of your financial responsibilities lets you create a realistic budget and make informed decisions. Then, you can comfortably handle the financial aspects of homeownership.

Some RFO condo units are complete with furnishings, so you don’t have to spend extra on interior design and furniture. Developers of RFO units typically outline the required fees, eliminating unwelcome surprises down the line while helping you weigh homeownership costs.

Start Your Homeownership Journey Wisely

Homeownership can provide joy and challenges. Knowing what to look for in a starter home can secure a lifestyle you can appreciate even if your priorities evolve. 

Your starter home should empower your life journey from family expansion to career shifts. Fortunately, Federal Land’s RFO condo units let you become a homeowner today.

Explore our website or check our blog to learn more about homeownership.