It goes without saying that finding your ideal home is not always a simple task. Even though it is usually one of the most thrilling parts of moving, bear in mind that it is also a very emotional and challenging process, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
But we will leave no room for panic! There are plenty of helpful tips for navigating the process, even if it is your first time buying. Let’s make your home-hunting journey stress-free and exciting!
1. Identify Your Wants and Needs
Source: opendoor.com
Have you ever been to Ikea to get something quickly, but ended up making a whole day trip out of it, only to come home with a car full of the unnecessary stuff you probably won’t even have space for? If that’s not you, I’m sure you know someone who can relate. It’s easy to fall into a trap of always wanting more.
That is why it is crucial to address and differentiate between your wants and needs. The line between them is very thin, and it’s good to be clear with yourself from the start. Necessities should be prioritized, while desires are like icing on a cake — great if it’s there, but the cake is sweet anyway.
Your needs should cover major and unchangeable features, such as location, price, number of bedrooms, their sizes, and the quality of the house built. This is essential for both your real estate agent and you.
Once you find your dream home, you can focus on your wants, such as the design, pool, backyard size, architectural features, and extra bedrooms.
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
To make the most of your house-hunting, make sure to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A lender’s examination will expose any flaws in your loan application, such as excessive debt or a poor credit score.
Another advantage is that it allows you to limit your search to houses that are solely within your budget. What’s the purpose of going to visit your dream property only to discover 10 minutes later that it’s completely out of your price range?
3. Hire a Real Estate Agent
Source: saveonenergy.ca
Buying a property isn’t something you do spur-of-the-moment. It is a massive investment that requires expert advice. With a real estate agent, you won’t have trouble finding a home that is perfect for you and your specific situation.
Hiring a professional virtually goes without saying for first-time buyers.
An agent should be able to find a property specific to your needs, facilitate house showings, evaluate asking prices, and create and negotiate offers as you can see at SoCal home buyers.
4. Visit Your List of Homes in Person
Make a list of properties you’d like to visit. Narrow it down to five houses, or add more if you have less. It is always good to check a couple of houses before making a decision.
Once you start touring, bring your camera! You want to document everything that you could possibly have more questions about. It’s always good to have it all captured so you can make comparisons, anyway.
When visiting, pay attention to anything that stands out and cannot be changed, get the feel for the neighborhood, and bring your list of wants and needs. It’s easy to forget about those items on your list in moments of excitement.
If you liked the house you visited, make sure to book a second visit right on the spot.
5. Start Looking for a Moving Company
Source: a-1freeman.com
After you have chosen a home, you are ready to start the moving process. And that usually requires help from a moving company. After all the home hunting, it’s good to leave some of the most daunting moving tasks to professional movers according to NDMS.
Pick a date and time; start researching moving companies to see which services are best suited to your needs.
You’re Ready To Find Your New Home
There’s no such bliss in the whole world as nesting in the perfect house that you can call your home. Keep in mind, though, that finding your dream home can be a very emotional and overwhelming process. It takes a lot of your patience, time, and money.
Still, once you’re settled in your cozy spot in a window corner … it’ll be well worth it.
