Spring is almost here! The warmer weather, beautiful flowers, and longer days are perfect for viewing homes in person, and it’s no wonder that the spring season is a popular time for home buyers to start looking at homes and neighborhoods.
But before you start driving around and visiting open houses, you should follow these important house hunting tips.
1. Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
Getting preapproved for a home loan is one of the best tools you have when searching for a home, especially when you have competition.
If you are preapproved, the home seller takes your offer seriously and may end up accepting your offer over another interested home buyer who is not preapproved.
2. Get to Know the Neighborhood
If you have a specific home in mind, it’s best to visit the area more than once, at different times of the day and week.
3. Have a List of Your Wants and Needs
Have a detailed house hunting checklist outlining your wants and needs, and make sure that your list covers the type of home (e.g. house or condo), the location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and home features that you are looking for.
One mistake that home buyers make during their home search, however, is having a wish list that is too strict. You don’t want to get stuck searching for the perfect home that may not exist.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Examine Everything
If you have narrowed your home search and are viewing homes in person, it’s time to examine everything: doorknobs, cabinets, windows, faucets, light switches. Now is the time to find out if there is anything that needs repair, not after closing.
5. Consider the Weather
Relocating from another state or country? When buying a home in a new area, considering weather conditions and seasonal temperature changes is important.
For example, you may value a home that has a covered garage if you move to an area where snow is more common, or you may want to choose a home with a shaded backyard in an area with warmer temperatures.
6. Order the Home Inspection
It’s crucial to have a trained professional examine the home you are interested in buying, even a home that has just been built. This is the best way to identify any major repairs that need to be made.
7. Have the Best Real Estate Agent on Your Side
If you are feeling frustrated and overwhelmed while house hunting and competing with other home buyers, your real estate agent is there to guide you through the process and keep you focused on the next steps.
We want you to be able to find the best home in the best location, and we are here to help. So if you are searching for a home this spring, talk with us about what you are looking for in a home and we can find it together.