There's no place like home. It’s your sanctuary, your place of rest, your family’s stomping grounds. Finding and settling into the perfect home brings such a rewarding feeling, but let’s be honest: The process leading up to it is no cakewalk. There’s a lot that goes into buying a home, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a stressful experience. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure the whole process goes off without a hitch. If you’re planning a move soon, be sure to consider the following things:
Before you even start looking at houses, think about the area where you want to live. Location is the one thing you can’t change, so this needs to be determined up front. Do you have kiddos? Is walkability important? How about the school district? Even if you don’t have children, buying in a good school district can help with resale down the road. Don’t forget about your work commute, either — do you need easy access to highways or public transportation? Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood, find a real estate agent who’s a specialist in that area so you can maximize your potential for finding the right home. (If you need a referral to an agent, I’m happy to provide one!)
Buying a home is a financial decision, and as such, budget should be a driving factor in your decision-making process. If you’re moving up, consider how your monthly payment will increase and whether you’re prepared to handle that. If you’re moving to a fixer-upper, take into account any extra expenses you’ll incur with renovations. Also, research the cost of living in the area, as well as property taxes and HOA fees. And of course, don’t forget to budget for the actual move. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to budgeting for a new home, but I can help you work through all these factors and help you line up the right financing based on your situation.
Once you’ve found a home, gone under contract with the seller, and started the mortgage process, it’s time to begin packing and planning for the big move. The key to a smooth move is organization. Here’s a handy checklist to help you get started on the right foot:
Buying and moving into a home is one of the biggest milestones in a person’s life, whether it’s your first time or your third. When you know what to expect and what steps to take along the way, you can make finding home sweet home a fun and enjoyable experience.
Have any other questions about the buying, moving, or financing process? Give me a call or email me anytime!
