House Hunting? Here Are 5 Tips for Your Search

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By Lizzie Weakley

House hunting can be very tedious and stressful, especially when you’re on a time crunch. This task can feel daunting, especially in regions where the market is fast-paced. Here are the five tips to make your search more productive.

Identify the Must-Haves

Write down your must-haves. You will then use this to narrow down your search. You could be looking for a heated swimming pool, a spectacular outdoor living space, or a master suite. What are you hoping to gain in this new home that you don’t currently have? Take a moment to brainstorm before starting your hunt.

Have a Budget

You need to have your budget outlined before looking at homes.  By avoiding homes that are well-over budget you are able to have realistic options. There will be many beautiful homes outside of your budget that might be tempting to consider. This is why you need to be disciplined and communicate true expectations. Working within your budget will save you stress later. And if you can’t find your dream home for less, don’t worry. Many individuals do home renovations and take their new homes to the next level. Keep that in mind as you browse.

Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval First

Do your research on the current mortgage rates to ensure you land on the cheapest mortgages offering lower rates, some as low as 4-5%. Sellers are likely to consider a transaction if you, the buyer, have evidence of the loan pre-approval. It’s important to investigate this before looking at homes.

Find a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is fully aware of the current market trends and prices. A real estate agent will also deliver sooner when given the list of must-haves and budget. A realtor has networking options and is able to search the market to a greater extent than most. They will also help you sell your previous home if desired.

Search Online First

You cannot physically look at every home on the market, but you can have a look inside many homes virtually. Most of the homes for sale are being advertised online to increase awareness. Find some favorites online and then go in person. This will save you from wasting time going to homes that don’t appeal to you.

Moving into a new home is a big deal. The investment can last years. Therefore, care should be taken in the search to ensure the best choice is made. Follow the tips above to make it as stress-free as possible!

About the Author

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

*Photo courtesy of Lizzie Weakley