At TeamPete Realty Services we believe everyone should feel confident when buying and selling a home. Confidence comes with knowledge. The more you know about the home buying process, the more confidently you can carry out your dreams. We asked our agents to share some of their knowledge when it comes to starting the search for your new home.
Here are 5 Quick Tips for Starting Your Home Search:
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before you Start Your Search
One way to show you’re serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Understanding which financing option is best for you will give you the confidence to know that you are looking for homes that fit your budget. This will help you avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home that you cannot afford.
2. Know the Difference Between Your “Must-Haves” and “Would-Like-To-Haves”
Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Before you start your search, make a list of all the features you would like in your new home. Sort them as ‘must-haves’, ‘should-haves’, and then add a third list of ‘absolute wish list’. This helps you stay focused on what’s most important.
3. Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You Want to Live
Every neighborhood has its own unique charm. If you find a home that you absolutely love, but are unfamiliar with the area, take a drive through the neighborhood at different times of the day, or spend a weekend exploring before you commit. Weekends provide a unique opportunity to learn about the community from other homeowners while they are working or playing in their yards.
4. Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to it
Look at your family’s needs and settle on a style that will best serve those needs. It is not necessary to tour every house in your desired area. For example, if you have younger children and you know you don’t want your bedroom on a different level, then steer clear of Cape Cod style homes, which typically have two or more bedrooms on the upper level and the master on the main.
5. Document Your Home Visits
Once you start looking at multiple homes the features will begin to blur together. Our agents at TeamPete Realty Services understand the home buying process can be a stressful at time, so we are very understanding of our clients wanting to take notes to make sure that the house you pick is not just a “house” but a “home” where future memories will be made. It’s okay to document what you love and don’t love about each property you visit. Your honest feedback will help your agent find you the perfect place to call home.
Our agents have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the often complex housing market. We care more about our customers, our team and our community. Start your home search at www.teampete.com