Let's simplify the process of finding the perfect home. But before you start browsing listings and attending open houses, or even calling an agent for a personal tour there are a few things you need to have in order. Trust me, taking the time to get these five things sorted out beforehand will make the entire house hunting process so much smoother and less stressful.
1. A solid understanding of your budget
One of the biggest mistakes people make when house hunting is not having a clear understanding of their budget. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of looking at beautiful homes and forget about the practicalities of what you can actually afford. Before you even start browsing listings, sit down and figure out what you can comfortably afford in terms of a mortgage payment, down payment, and other expenses like property taxes and insurance. Consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage to give yourself a better sense of your buying power. Also make sure it is up-to-date a lot can change in a matter of months. I often have buyers come to may saying I've been approved for $600k but my approval was last year so it will be the same....yet interest rates went up, debt to income ratio may have changed, so many factors so before you tour -get a CLEAR idea of your actual budget.
2. A clear list of your must-haves
Another important thing to have in order before you start house hunting is a clear list of your must-haves. What features are non-negotiable for you in a home? Do you need a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms? A big backyard? A garage? A specific location or school district? By having a clear idea of what you're looking for, you can avoid wasting time looking at properties that don't meet your needs. FOCUS on your must-haves and if you are not finding it in your budget then you can expand your search to include or excluded specific features. Touring all /any homes results in confusion and misdirected purchases made out of pure stress.
3. A realistic understanding of your lifestyle
When it comes to finding the perfect home, it's not just about the physical features of the property – it's also about how the property fits into your lifestyle. Before you start house hunting, take a step back and really think about how you and your family live. Do you entertain a lot? Do you work from home? Do you have pets? By understanding your lifestyle, you can look for homes that will support and enhance your day-to-day routines.
4. A trusted team of professionals
Buying a home can be a complex and confusing process, so it's important to have a trusted team of professionals on your side. This might include a real estate agent, a mortgage broker, a home inspector, and a real estate attorney. Make sure you do your research and find professionals who have experience and expertise in the local market. These professionals can help guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure that you're making informed decisions. Now, finding a trusted professional can be difficult so if you need assistance finding one I am happy to connect you with some experts that I've done plenty of successful business with.
5. A willingness to be patient and flexible
Finally, it's important to have a willingness to be patient and flexible when house hunting. It's unlikely that you'll find the perfect home on your first outing, so it's important to be open to different options and be willing to compromise on certain features if necessary. Don't rush into a decision just because you're eager to find a home – take the time to find the right property that meets your needs and feels like the perfect fit.
So, if you want to have a successful and stress-free house hunting experience, it's important to have these five things in order before you start your search. By having a solid understanding of your budget, a clear list of your must-haves, a realistic understanding of your lifestyle, a trusted team of professionals, and a willingness to be patient and flexible, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect home.
Feel free to download my 1st time home buyers E-Book for free HERE.
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Kristy Morrison
Your Agent For Life
Holistic Principles, Traditional Methods.
Century 21 Synergy Realty, Brokerage Owner.
The views shared on this webpage / blog are personal views to the author and does not represent the brokerage or anyone else.
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