Buying a new house can be such an overwhelming process. There are so many factors to consider: Is the garage big enough? Is the A/C unit working? Is this the best price for the area? It shouldn’t be such a daunting task, which is why working with a professional real estate agent helps!
To take advantage of the market and make the house hunt a bit easier, Jenelle suggests that buyers:
1. Do your homework
These are a few questions to get this process started:
- What are you looking for?
- Are you looking to rent or to buy?
- Do you want 1 or 3 bedrooms? 1 or 2 bathrooms?
- Do you dream of having a pool or an open-concept plan?
Decide what features you want and how much you are willing to pay for them before you start your search. This will not only save you time, but it will also help us, as your Realtor’s, find you the perfect based on your home buying criteria.
2. Be realistic
While it’s easy to dream of having a 4,500 square foot home will all the luxurious bells and whistles, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as the perfect home. So, be flexible and have realistic goals for home features and your budget.
Most importantly, be ready to compromise. One home may have the professional kitchen set-up that you want, another may have the outdoor barbecue that is a priority on your spouse’s list. Be ready and willing to take the best of each house and know that you may have to let go of some items from your wish list in order to find the right house at the right price.
3. Get a home inspection
It’s one thing to trust in people, but it’s a whole other thing to have certainty of what you are purchasing. Getting a home inspection is your right as a buyer. This is your opportunity to find out more about the property you are interested in that may not be visible but that can materially affect the value and condition of the home. It also gives you a realistic expectation of repairs needed and additional costs involved in the purchase of the property.
A home warranty, which can be negotiated, is important to purchase in case of defects or other issues that may be a concern. When making a large investment, you want to have peace that you are getting what you
are paying for, that everything is working, and that no issues will pop up as soon as you move it. Getting a home inspection and a home warranty provides you with that peace.
4. Know your moving date
Go into the negotiation with the knowledge of the date you need to move and any flexibility you may have. If you’re not in a rush to move in, no problem. But if you’re moving due to a job relocation, it’s important to ensure that you are settled in and not carrying boxes while getting used to your new job. It’s also important to know what dates you need to be out of your current home, when school starts (if you have kids), and any other important occasions that may have a time-sensitive timeline.A flexible moving date can be an asset in negotiation.
5. Decide your future
Before your search, confirm your long-term goals. Decide if this will be a temporary home or your forever residence. Do you see yourself growing your family in this home, or do you plan on starting small and growing as the years go by?
6. Fine-tune your finances
Do you have a budget? Are you willing to go over if you find the house, or are you sticking to it? Compare how much you can afford versus how much you want to spend monthly. Get your credit score in line and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will make your buying experience smoother, decrease stress, and make the whole process more enjoyable.
7. Don’t ask friends
When making a big decision, we usually run to all our friends and ask for their opinion. The problem with that is that everyone will have a different opinion, and it will only frustrate and stress you out more. Rely on the opinions of one or two people you trust; more than that will only confuse and confound you.
8. Work with a Realtor
It’s so easy nowadays to do a Google search and find hundreds of homes for sale by yourself. However, it is important to have professional advice in this fast-changing market. It is your best insurance in making the best purchase possible.
Work with a Realtor that understands the area you are looking to purchase in. They will be able to provide you with the best advice on location, as well as impart wisdom on the buying process, dealing with
sellers, and negotiations.
Save yourself the stress of scrolling through dozens of pages of homes, and let us help you find the perfect fit for you.
Waypointe Realty is a “5-Star Rated” real estate brokerage focused on serving YOU and your needs, even if we have to wait. We go at your pace and find you what you feel comfortable purchasing WITHOUT PRESSURE! We guarantee you’ll love the home you purchase with us, or we’ll help you sell it for FREE! With these simple tips, finding your dream home is easier than ever.
If you need help finding your next home in the Oviedo area, contact us. One of our professional Realtors would love to sit down and walk you through the entire process through our complimentary Buyer’s Consultation.