Searching for a new home is a challenging job but not an impossible one. All you need is a plan and purpose and some idea of what you may want.
The following advice will help you know what you should be focusing on and thinking about when you’re searching for a new home for you and your family. Start the process early and be prepared to do your homework so you’re sure to feel confident in your final choice. Let these ideas help you get on the right path to finding your dream home and being happy in it for a very long time.
Type of Home You Want to Buy
When you’re searching for a new home you should think about if you want to buy one that already exists or if you prefer a new construction home. Take the time to review the pros and cons of new construction homes to help you make a decision. These points will help you see what is involved in buying a new construction home and if it’s right for you or not. You’ll have a lot more control over how it looks than if you were to purchase a home that’s been around for some time. New home builds may be low-maintenance and have a more modern floor plan but there may also be design limitations and you may have a smaller lot.
Needs & Wants
You should also consider your needs and wants when searching for a new home. Brainstorm and write down every possible thing you prefer to have even if it’s not feasible or realistic. You can worry about what’s practical later on when you begin to think about your budget and what you can afford. Now is your time to think about all the possibilities you could have in a new home and what you vision for your family and your future. It may be that you want more bedrooms so that you can turn one into an office or that you desire a large backyard for gardening and an area for the kids to play.
Your Priorities
After you record down your needs and wants then you can put your wishes in priority order. The reality is that no house is going to have every feature you want. Therefore, it’ll be helpful to create a list of preferences and then put them in priority order. Your priorities may be different now than they were when you were young so think it through and be honest with yourself. For instance, you may want a large master bathroom and a finished basement but can live without an extra bedroom or an updated kitchen.
Your Budget
Your budget is a significant factor when it comes to searching for a new home. You should sit down and crunch the numbers early on so you know how much money you have to work with and how much you’ll need to save yet for a down payment. Let your budget guide you in knowing what types of houses you should be looking for and in what areas. Make sure you take into account other expenses associated with buying a home such as moving and closing costs too. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough to cover your mortgage, property taxes, and other bills once you’re moved in. A budget will be your roadmap in helping you narrow down your choices and find a home that will be suitable and affordable.
Finding A Real Estate Agent
You also need to think about finding a real estate agent when you’re searching for a new home. A real estate agent will help you scour properties that are new on the market and available for viewing. They will listen to your needs and try to meet them so that you’re not wasting any time seeing homes that aren’t right for you. Be sure to ask around for recommendations from friends and family so you can find someone who is trustworthy and will get the job done efficiently. You’ll not only want an agent who’s knowledgeable but also personable and who you like working with regularly.
Career & Lifestyle
Your career and lifestyle also play a role when you’re house hunting. You want to make sure that there are jobs available where you’re going or that you can work from your new location at your same job before you move. Have this discussion with your spouse so that you’re on the same page and know that you’ll be able to pay your bills. Also, consider if there are nearby grocery stores and shopping or if you’ll need to drive far distances to get to where you need to go each day. If you and your family like being outdoors then maybe you want to live near water or a park where you can play and hike.
The Location
The location of your new home also matters and will impact your decision of what home to buy. Think about if the schools in the area are good and how much you’ll be paying in taxes to live there. Maybe some perks spark your interest and that you’ve heard positive feedback from people who live there now or have lived there in the past. Visit different areas and see how busy or noisy it is during the day and in the evening. Consider if you want to live in a location that’s by other young families and if you want to be able to walk places instead of drive. Location is also a big deal because you’ll want to be somewhere that’s desirable to others when you choose to sell it one day in the future.
Moving Logistics
Moving is a lot of effort and there are many logistics to think about and tasks to complete. Consider if you’ll be packing and moving yourself or if you prefer to hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting. You’ll want to begin by decluttering your current home and getting rid of what you no longer need. Make time for a deep cleaning and leave your home in good condition. Obtain the right packing supplies to help you get organized and be prepared to label each of your boxes accordingly. Think about what time of year you wish to move and the timing of you moving out of your current home and into your new property.
If You Want an Inspection
You’re not required to have an inspection on your new home but it’s a question you should ask yourself. Think about if you’ll want to pay for one or not and the benefits of doing so. If you do decide to have an inspection, then you’ll want to review the report and decide what you want to negotiate with the sellers before you move forward with the sale. An inspection may bring to light issues and matters you can’t see or won’t notice simply by walking through the home and viewing it.
Making Time to Tour Homes
Searching for a new home will take up a lot of your time and energy. You should make sure you’re prepared for the task and that you’re committed to sticking with it until you find the right house. You should make sure you have the time to search for and tour homes before you decide to buy one. You can scope houses out online but it’ll be a different experience and you’ll get a better feel for the house you’re considering when you go see it in person. It’s also a chance to ask the real estate agent questions about the property and see it both in the daylight and in the evening hours.
The Future
Think about the future when you’re searching for a new home. You may have a small family now but might want to grow it one day. Therefore, you might require more bedrooms or bathrooms and want to have room for your kids to play and run around. If you’re someone who likes to entertain then you might want a large kitchen and backyard so you can have many guests over at once. You must take into consideration what you want down the road and how your life will evolve and change over the years so you can grow into your home. You never know what may happen in the future but you can at least predict it and plan the best you can for it right now.
Conclusion
These are a few important considerations you should take into account as you search for a new home. This list will help you know what to focus on so that you can make a decision that you’re happy with and won’t regret later on. Keep in mind that perfect or perfection doesn’t exist and that finding what’s ideal or most suitable for you and your family should be good enough for you. Weigh the pros and cons and then come to a decision that feels good and that you can afford so that you’re excited about moving in and living in your new space.