When it comes to buying a home there is nothing like the search for that perfect property. Once you have your down payment ready, found a mortgage lender and a Realtor® to help you navigate through the entire process, you get to finally move forward and begin viewing homes. While this is for many the best part of the home buying process, there are things to keep in mind so you don’t become overwhelmed or frustrated while you go out house hunting.
One of the best things you can do before you begin a search for a home is to have an in depth meeting with your Realtor®. You know what you want, your agent knows the market. Together you can come up with a plan of the key needs and features you want to find. Be sure to explain to your Realtor® why you are moving as well. The more she learns about you, the more she can help you. Part of a Realtor’s job is to know the types of questions to ask, and things to consider when it comes to finding a home. For example, if you are looking for a bigger home for your growing family, you have probably thought about schools in the neighborhoods you like, but what about local parks or community centers that can provide other activities for you and the kids? Your Realtor® can use the information you provide to narrow down your search.
Giving yourself plenty of time will also make a big difference in the search for a new home. Unless you have a specific time deadline to keep to, such as a relocation time frame, by allowing yourself the time to search for the right home, you can avoid feeling rushed to make a decision, which can lead to a hasty one you may regret. If you want to live in a specific neighborhood there may only be a couple of listings at first. If none of the properties are what you want in a home, don’t pick one just to be in the neighborhood. Wait for a while instead. With fluctuations in the housing market, new listings come available regularly, so your dream home could be just around the corner. The bottom line is don’t put yourself on an exact schedule if you don’t have to.
When you look at a lot of different houses you will see things you don’t like, especially regarding decor. It can also be difficult to recall which house had the great kitchen space but worn carpet, or the property with the great back deck, attached to a house painted lime green. First, keep in mind that cosmetic aspects of a home can often be readily changed. Remember to look beyond the dated furniture, or ultra-modern living room that look like it belongs in a magazine. When you go beyond these clashes with your own tastes, you can note what you can do within a home to make it yours once you have the keys. One way to easily remember the pros and cons of any home you view is by taking photos of each room whenever you view a listing.
Ultimately the right home for you will feel exactly so just right. You may be surprised to find the house that calls to you the most is not the old Victorian you long dreamed about finding, but the renovated craftsman era home your Realtor® found, which has the majority of the features you need and want in a home. Keeping these house hunting tips in mind will also help you narrow down the list of potential homes to the top pick for you to make an offer on. When you are ready to buy or sell a home, we at Haylen Group are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! If you are unsure what your options are, call Helen Chong at (408) 800-LIST or email at Helen@HaylenGroup.com. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.
