Looking for a new home can be very intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Here are a few tips to help you through the process when you are ready to begin your search.
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you need to have in a home, what types of neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect house. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Look at your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Choose one or two people to turn to if you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? These factors will help you determine when you should make the move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years? Or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This may help you better decide what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will work best for you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. Ask for a warranty from the seller to cover any defects for one year.
8. Get help from a Realtor. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose loyalty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative works only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment. If you have any questions about this list, or if you are ready to begin looking for your new home, please contact me and I will be happy to guide you through the process. Have a great day!