Purchasing a new home is often a thrilling yet emotional roller-coaster experience.  It's possible to visit numerous homes without finding any that truly excite you.  Alternatively, when you do discover the perfect home, it might be quickly bought by another buyer before you have the chance to place an offer. There's even a chance of having your offer approved, only to lose financing if the appraisal falls short.

You may wonder what your primary consideration should be as you begin the house-buying process. Undertaking certain actions before you start your property search, and continuing them throughout, can alleviate much of the stress associated with this process and greatly improve your chances of successfully acquiring the home of your dreams once it becomes available.

The Neighborhood

Ensure that not only the house but also the surrounding neighborhood aligns with your standards. To evaluate a neighborhood, consider visiting at various times – during weekdays and weekends, as well as both daytime and evening. Observe if the houses in the area are uniform in size and amenities.

Assess whether the residents maintain their yards neatly or if there are signs of neglect, such as abandoned cars and litter. Determine the safety of the neighborhood for walking, jogging, or cycling. Additionally, check if the neighborhood is conducive to children and pets if these factors are significant to you.

Hire an Experienced Real Estate Agent

Once you're pre approved and seriously set on starting your house hunting, it's advisable to consider bringing experienced Austin real estate agents into your team. Opting for a buyer’s agent isn't a requirement, but in the event the home you're eyeing is under a seller’s agent, having an advocate to safeguard your interests, particularly regarding negotiations on price and contract specifics, can be immensely beneficial.

An often-overlooked aspect by newcomers to the home buying scene is the financial model behind employing a buyer’s agent. Surprisingly to many, the buyer does not bear the expense of this service. This cost-free benefit arises because the commission for both the buyer's and seller’s agents is typically a responsibility assumed by the seller, deducted from the final sale price of the property.

Floor Plan and Size

Resist the allure of a large or uniquely featured home, like one with a sauna, especially if it's space you won't utilize. Before beginning your house search, define the ideal size and layout for your needs and aim to stay true to these criteria. While more square footage allows for amenities such as a craft room, home gym, or theater room, remember it also brings higher utility and tax costs.

A larger home requires more furniture and maintenance. Thoughtfully assess the amount of space and specific layout that suits your current lifestyle and any future plans you have for your time in the home.

Number of Bathrooms and Bedrooms

Enhancing a home with outdoor features is relatively straightforward, but adding extra bedrooms or bathrooms can be financially challenging. It's wise to opt for a house that satisfies your immediate needs.

For those with children, securing a bedroom for each one might be on your list, but it's also important to think ahead. Consider whether you'll require additional space for guests, a home office, or possibly accommodation for an elderly parent in the future.

The layout of the bedrooms deserves careful consideration too. Families with young kids often prefer having the bedrooms in close proximity to one another. Meanwhile, a bedroom on the ground floor could become essential for those planning to grow old in the home or needing to care for an aging relative.

Regarding bathrooms, evaluate not only how many you need but also their size and location in the house. For smaller families, two bathrooms may be sufficient, whereas larger families might find three or more necessary. Ensure the home aligns with your preferences, whether you prioritize having a bathtub or a shower.

The Duration You Expect to Stay in the Home

The solution to this question could shape your housing preferences and what you're able to spend. For instance, if your plan includes moving to a different state in three years, seeking a house that's ready for immediate occupation, with minimal need for updates, would be ideal.

Conversely, if your intention is to establish a long-term home for raising a family, potentially for over two decades, then your deliberations extend further. This includes evaluating the quality of nearby schools, the condition and lifespan of the roof, and the property's potential for value increase, among other aspects.

A house that can adapt to a growing family or one with a design amenable to future expansions might be more appealing. Allocating your budget with foresight into possible significant, costly renovations or updates could lead to a more practical financial plan.

Endnote

Most properties you consider, even the newly built ones, will present certain faults. The challenge lies in making the call between investing in fixes or negotiating terms with the homeowner. It's crucial to have a skilled agent on your side. They can provide valuable guidance