A solid game plan can help you narrow your
homebuying search to find the best home for you.
When looking for your new house, make
sure to take into consideration how long you plan to stay there.
House hunting is just like any other
shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some
research, you’ll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight
tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.
1. Know thyself
Understand the type of home that suits
your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory
home? If you’re leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you
need to budget for contractors?
2. Research before you look
List the features you most want in a
home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to
four neighborhoods you’d like to live in based on commute time, schools,
recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com to get a feel for the
homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the
results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out
properties from the inventory you’d like to view.
3. Get your finances in order
Generally, lenders say you can afford a
home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know
how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing. Don’t wait until
you’ve found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.
Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification
letter spelling out how much you’re eligible to borrow. The lender won’t
necessarily consider the extra fees you’ll pay when you purchase or your plans
to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you’re
comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make
your bid less attractive to sellers.
4. Set a moving timeline
5. Think long term
Your future plans may dictate the type
of home you’ll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up
in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a
starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure
your priority list helps you identify a home you’ll still love years from now.
6. Work with a REALTOR®
Ask people you trust for referrals to a
real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have
expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you’re interested in. Because
homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent’s style meshes
with your personality.
Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing
agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers’ reps work only for you even
though they’re typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are
REALTORS®, which means they’re members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a
century.
7. Be realistic
It’s OK to be picky about the home and
neighborhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by
minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out
on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded.
On the flip side, don’t be so swayed by a “wow” feature that you forget about
other issues—like noise levels—that can have a big impact on your quality of
life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there’s no
such thing as the perfect home.
8. Limit the opinions you solicit
It’s natural to seek reassurance when
making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks
in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But
remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on
criteria you’ve identified as important.
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