What is a Move-In-Ready Home and is it the Right Fit for You?

2021 October 22

When looking for your dream home you might come across a plethora of options regarding location, size, and even stages of construction. While some people might love the idea of having full customization power over their future home, others want a quick and simple process.

Move-in ready homes are popular options when it comes to buying a house in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

What is a Move-In-Ready Home? 

Homes are considered move-in-ready when they meet a certain list of legal codes. They need to be structurally sound (obviously) and have to meet all local code requirements to be deemed liveable, including working plumbing, electricity, and locking doors and windows.

As long as the home in question is deemed liveable and meets all code requirements, it can be considered move-in-ready, whether it’s 100 years old or brand new. 

However, there are move-in-ready sellers that exclusively offer homes that are newly built and up-to-date!

What Does a Move-In-Ready Home Include? 

Major Appliances 

A move-in-ready home will have working major appliances. 

However, unlike custom-built homes, a move-in-ready home might not include updated appliances. This all depends on who you’re buying the home from.

Updating your appliances could cost you some extra money down the road, so be sure to get a good look at them while you take a tour of the property!

Strong Roof and Exterior

Though you can’t guarantee a move-in-ready home will have new appliances, you can guarantee that it be free of roofing and siding issues. 

Thankfully, having a well-functioning roof and repaired exterior surfaces are part of what makes a move-in-ready home liveable. You won’t have to worry about leaks, drafts, or the expensive damage that accompanies them.

Maintained Heating and Cooling Systems

Before you move into a move-in-ready home, the property will have been inspected and maintained to make sure the heating and cooling systems are working properly. 

These inspections include filter replacement, mechanical component tune-ups, vent cleanings, and other HVAC maintenance items that help ensure the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

Secure Locks on Windows and Doors

As part of code requirements, move-in-ready homes need to have secure locks on exterior doors and windows. 

Obviously, security is a key element of liveability. For extra peace of mind, after you’ve moved in, you can contact your local locksmith to have your locks changed.

Overall Liveability 

Local codes and regulations determine what “liveability” is for move-in-ready homes, but there is a general list of standards that apply. 

Liveable homes have a certificate of occupancy, up-to-code electrical and structural systems, running water, working electricity, operating plumbing, and other very basic elements that make a home worth staying in. 

Additionally, the home needs to be free of health hazards like mold or pest infestations. 

What to Consider 

Budget 

In many (but not all) cases, a move-in-ready home will be less expensive than buying a new build, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and investors. Buying a move-in-ready home will also allow you to get a more accurate estimate of the home’s total cost based on current interest rates. 

Hover, keep in mind that the up-front cost of a move-in-ready home may not be the total price you pay. 

You may have to update appliances, carry out repairs and remodels, change locks, paint your walls, or engage with a number of different tasks to really make the place feel like your own. 

Rest assured, though. There are home retailers that only sell brand-new move-in-ready homes that will require much less work and additional costs than older properties.

Time

One of the biggest things to consider when deciding between a move-in-ready home or a custom home is the timeline of events.

If you need a place to live ASAP, a move-in-ready home will definitely be a smart option. Categorically, move-in-ready homes are faster. All you’ll have to do is unpack and get set up. 

However, be sure to start the move-in-ready buying process early. You want to get as many options in front of you as you can, so you can decide on a home that fulfills as many of your needs as possible. 

If you have more time to spare, then it’s worth looking into a custom-built home. On average, a new build home can take anywhere between four to eighteen months to complete.

This process will definitely take longer, but it allows you to more carefully consider where you want to live and helps you ensure every last detail of your home is in line with what you want. 

Design & Customization

When deciding whether to build a custom home or purchase a move-in-ready one, everything comes down to convenience. Would you rather invest time and money now or later down the line?

A custom-built home will obviously allow you to add your creative input and design your home the way you’ve always imagined, from color and finish to material selection and floor plan layout. 

Move-in-ready homes, on the other hand, have limited opportunities to make modifications to your home’s design, but offer the luxury of convenience if you find one that suits your style right away. 

Eagle Creek Homes Can Help 

Eagle Creek Homes offers high-quality move-in-ready homes in beautiful neighborhoods across West Michigan!

Buying the perfect home requires a lot of planning, and finding the right partner to guide you through the whole process can make it a lot easier. 

At Eagle Creek Homes, we understand how important your move-in-ready home search is for you and your family. We also know how complicated it is. 

That is why we pride ourselves on being a true partner. We will work hand-in-hand with you, guiding you through our excellent, transparent move-in ready home purchase process. 

If you are ready to find a place and settle down, learn more about our move-in-ready homes!