5 Great House Hunting Tips When Buying a Home

Searching for a new home may seem a bit of a daunting and somewhat overwhelming task - There’s just so much to think about.  However,  while there are some necessary aspects of the homebuying process that aren’t exactly “fun”, there are simple and effective tips that can increase your chances of finding the perfect home and, yes, even have some fun while getting the job done! Here are a few suggestions to help keep the search for your dream home a positive and exciting experience.

1. Get pre-approved by a mortgage lender. This will help in a number of ways: it helps you limit your shopping to the types of homes you can afford, you will be ready to make an offer on the home you like, and sellers will be more inclined to take your offer seriously.
2. Choose a Good Agent. Purchasing a home is a substantial investment and it makes sense to to be guided by a professional. Working with the right agent is critical to finding and securing your dream home. You need an agent who knows the local market, knows property and can carefully explain each step in the process so you always know what’s happening.
3. Keeping your budget in mind, determine what you want and need from your home. There’s a big difference between needs and wants – create a list of “must haves”, “would likes”, and “definately don’t wants”. Don’t just think about what you need now, consider what your needs may be a few years from now. Your agent will help narrow down inventory and find homes that best match your needs.
4. If at all possible, visit the various neighborhoods you are considering. Plan to visit on weekdays and weekends and at different times of the day. It matters. Do you like the neighborhood? Does it have the amenities you want? Good schools? A convenient commute to work? Senior Services? Your new neighborhood will be a part of your daily life you want to be sure that you will be satisfied with not only your new home, but life in your new neighborhood as well.
5. It’s helpful to bring a camera and a note pad, especially if you’re looking at a lot of homes. Take photos and notes of the homes you visit – the details of individual homes can begin to blur in the house-hunting process and having something to review when you get back home is a very helpful way to keep the homes you just saw organized.

Sometimes you may need to look at a lot of houses before you find the right one, but knowledge and preparation are the keys to a successful and exciting house hunting experience.

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