As a real estate professional, we understand that when it comes to deciding on the right home, it can get a bit frustrating. We can provide you with all the resources and knowledge but deciding on which house you will decide to call your home lies on your hands. Here are some tips to help you make every minute worth it when you are house hunting.
1. Location counts. Location is crucial. How far are you really willing to commute to your place of employment? How good are the local schools, shopping centers, public transportation, seniors’ services and other public amenities? Will your new home be next to a vacant lot or a commercial property?
2. Make a list. Do you know what you need and want in your home? You'll save yourself many hours of shopping if you make a list ahead of time. Zero in on the features you must have, would like to have, definitely don't want and would prefer not to have. Your goal is to find the right home for your family without falling in love with one that doesn't suit your needs. Tip: Start compiling your wish list by thinking about what you like and dislike about your current home.
3. Do your homework. Today, a lot of information is available on the web such as home sales prices, market trends, homes on the market, neighborhood statistics and the home-buying process. Go surfing. Get educated. Become empowered. Having a real estate professional can also lessen this research.
4. Get preapproved for a mortgage. Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask a lender or mortgage broker to give you a full assessment and a letter stating how much you're qualified to borrow. The true amount may be much more or much less than you think.
5. Use a checklist. Touring multiple homes is a confusing experience for most people. After hours, days and weeks of looking at numerous homes, your mind will start to confuse one home for the other. Rather than relying on memory, make notes about the homes you visit. Turn your priorities into a personalized home-shopping checklist and use it track the features of each home.
6. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. House-hunting can be tiring, especially if you're relocating to a distant community and want to see a dozen homes in one day. You don’t want to be uncomfortable to the point that it will lessen your desire to enjoy this experience.
7. Be prepared to make an offer. House-hunting can also be frustrating, especially if you know in your heart you're not really emotionally or financially ready to buy a home. If you're not ready, don't put yourself through the exercise. If you are ready, go through a blank purchase contract ahead of time so you'll know what decisions you'll face when you make an offer.
8. Relax. Granted, buying a home is a major life-altering event. But it's not worth making yourself insanely crazy or super-duper stressed. Save time at the end of your house-hunting expedition to unwind, calm your thoughts and emotions and keep the whole experience in perspective.
Vanna S.
Keller Williams Realty
