Your home is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever buy in your life, so it’s no surprise that people can spend months, sometimes even years, trying to find the right property. Sometimes you can get lucky, you walk into a house and just get a good vibe, while other times it can take two or three viewings before you really start to appreciate a house. It helps to do your research first, which can guide you to the right properties and help you save time, so here are some things to consider when you’re looking to make that big move.
Know your essentials
Most people have a long list of things that would make up their dream home but being too particular can mean you miss out on some great places. A recent survey of home buyers showed that storage space, patios, open plan kitchens and hardwood floors all top wish lists. However, while some of these things are easy to change about a house, some properties might not have the potential for you to do so. A lack of storage space could be a major deal-breaker, while a closed-plan kitchen might be easy to open up. Make sure you know what’s essential on your wish-list and which things you can do without.
Set a realistic budget
Banks are starting to recover from the subprime mortgage crisis, which means some lenders aren’t as cautious as others, so may offer you a large home loan. While it’s tempting to borrow as much as you can to get your dream home, this can leave you financially stretched and in danger of losing your home if you lose your job. Most financial experts say you should only spend up to 30% of your net pay on housing, and if you’re going to be taking out loans for renovations or paying fees, then keep these extra payments in mind.
Find a great realtor
The process of home buying is so much simpler when you have a realtor who truly understands your needs and communicates with you every step of the way. A realtor from Ashby & Graff Real Estate will talk you through your requirements and find suitable properties in your area, as well as places that you may overlook when doing your own searches. They can also help guide you through the process in general. Make sure you take the time to find the best realtor in Charleston, SC or wherever you are looking to buy a house, to help eliminate stress!
Pin down the right location
If the home you buy isn’t 100% right, then there’s plenty you can do, from building extensions to redecorating. However, if you get the location wrong, then you have to live with it for the foreseeable future. When it comes to family homes, schools are often the main consideration, so look online for honest reviews. Google Maps makes life easier, as it allows you to calculate travel times such as your commute but be sure to factor in traffic. You may want to do a practice run at peak time before you commit to buying to see the real length of your drive.
Have an inspection
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re excited about a property, but don’t commit to anything until you’ve had a full property inspection carried out. Depending on your state, an inspection may be a legal requirement when you take out a mortgage, and it can help you avoid a big legal problem down the line.
While some people find the right home the first time they book a viewing, for many it’s a long process, especially when they’re moving from an apartment or small house to their family home. If you’re starting a family or moving with kids, then this could well be your forever home, so it’s important to spend lots of time doing your research and making sure it’s right for you before you commit.
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