Today’s market is EXTREMELY competitive and the low inventory of homes is not helping. If you are not prepared it is easy to lose your mind! Here are 5 tips to help you have a leg up while looking for your Dream Home!
- Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search
One way to stand out to a seller is to show you are serious. You can do that by getting Pre-qualified or Pre-Approved for a mortgage before you start looking for homes. Understanding your buying power is HUGE! It prevents you from wasting your time and not falling in love with something that you may not be able to purchase.
2.Know the Difference Between Your “Must-Haves” and “Would-Like-To-Haves”
Before you hit the pavement, make a list of things that are non-negotiables and of list of thing that would be great to have. This will allow your agent to narrow down the search and get you to the right homes quickly. You don’t want to waste your time looking at a home that does not have what you “Have-To-Have” while the one that does is going under contract.
3. Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You Want to Live
Drive around the neighborhood for a little bit and make sure it fits what you expect from a neighborhood. Talk to the neighbors and see what they say about living there. Don’t commit to home solely based on the house itself. Remember, you can’t pick it up and move it later.
4. Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It
What does your family need? Is it a ranch style? A split foyer? Figure out what best suites your family and stick with it. If you have younger kids, you may not want one that feature a master on main with all other bedrooms upstairs. If you have teenagers, you may want a finished basement so they have a place to hang out with their friends. Don’t get overwhelmed by every home in the zip code you want to live in. Narrow it down to only the ones that fit your family.
5. Document Your Home Visits
After about the third home you see, they all start running together. Snap pics with your phone and take great notes about what you love and don’t love about each property. This will help tremendously when you are trying to narrow it down.
In a high-paced, competitive environment, any advantage you can give yourself will help you on your path to buying your dream home. Give us a call and we will be happy to help! 770-474-7253