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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. Generally speaking, most homebuyers take on a 15- to 30-year mortgage loan, and with that kind of expense and time commitment, you’ll want to be sure you find the home that best suits your and your family’s needs. Here are some helpful tips that you should take into consideration when shopping for your home.
1. Seek the help of a REALTOR®
A REALTOR® will be able to help you from start to finish. From finding a house in your price range to negotiating the final sale price on the home of your dreams, through the closing process, a REALTOR® will be there to guide you through the process and keep you informed each step of the way. Not only will they be able to weed out the homes with features that don't interest you, a REALTOR® may be able to satisfy your wish list, including amenities, location, and size.
2. Visit home shows or open houses
Visiting home shows and open houses sponsored by builders or real estate agents can help find the style of home and neighborhood you desire. It's helpful to take a notepad and camera to document the features you do and don't like of each house your visit. Your copious notes will be a helpful reference in your home search, as eventually you will have visited so many homes they will start to all look alike!
3. Keep value in mind
While you're on your home search, consider the factors that could potentially influence the price and desirability of the property, including housing supply and demand, schools, new development, and the condition of neighboring homes. All of these things will play a role in determining the asking price of the home.
4. Consider the quality of construction
When you're home shopping, thoroughly evaluate the quality of the home's construction, especially cabinetry, carpeting, trim, and paint. These factors are not only important because of their aesthetics, but poor construction can lead to maintenance problems down the road that you would be responsible for repairing.
Stay tuned for part two with more helpful tips!
Always consult a REALTOR® for real estate related question.
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