Real estate agents share four pieces of advice for finding the right home.
It’s time to begin searching for the home of your dreams! What may seem like the start of an exciting adventure can surely backfire if you’re not prepared. With a bit of planning and legwork, you’ll be sure to find a home that fits your needs in no time.
These four house hunting tips are a great place to start.
Define Your Wants vs. Needs
You have many factors to consider when buying a home. With that in mind, it’s important to outline your wants versus needs in order to find the best fit for you. Before chasing a house with the state-of-the-art media room, prioritize the features you wouldn’t be able to live without.
“Think about how you live in your space – what do you need, what can you live without?” asks Kristen Long, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Realty Associates in Champaign, Illinois. “Do you have a big family that likes to cuddle up in the living room so a larger space there is preferred? Do you cook a lot and need decent counter space in the kitchen? Do you spend a lot of time outside and want a big backyard?”
Find the RIGHT Agent
Your real estate agent will be your guide throughout the entire home-buying process. Finding an agent who is knowledgeable, experienced and trustworthy is key to a successful real estate journey.
“You are making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. You want your real estate agent to be in your corner 100%,” Long says. “Make sure your agent understands what you’re looking for and puts your interests first.”
Act Fast
With the competitive and fast-paced nature of residential real estate, there’s no time for dragging your feet.
“In today’s market, if you like it you have to strike quickly and strike hard,” says Jeffrey Decatur, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Capital in Latham, New York.
Having your dream home slip through your fingers sounds like a worst nightmare. As soon as you find a home that interests you, alert your agent to schedule a tour.
Don’t Be TOO Picky
Nitpicking details of every house you see is inevitable, given your purchase will be one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Being too picky, however, can leave you unfulfilled in an endless quest for perfection.
“The perfect house is kind of an idealized dream. Real estate is real life,” Decatur says. “White-picket fences exist, but depending on the price range, location, your wish list and current market conditions, expectations can sometimes be unrealistic.”
Refer back to your list of must-have home features and remember you can make renovations or upgrades down the road.
With these house hunting tips, you’re more likely to find your dream home. Looking for an experienced agent to help?
Contact a local RE/MAX agent today.
