Whether you are looking to upgrade your current home or buy a house for the first time, finding the perfect house can seem like an incredibly daunting task. And buyer’s remorse can creep in if you don’t have a structured plan of attack for your home search.
Buying a house is a decision that should never be hastily made, so here are some tips to help get your ducks in a row and keep the homebuyer blues at bay.
Budget
Locking down a price range that fits your budget is obviously the first step when buying a new home. Factors such as square footage, the city and neighborhood it’s in, and the features of the house will all affect how much it costs. Purchasing a home you can’t afford will quickly turn your home owning experience sour.
The best way to get an idea of average home prices is to take a look at our local market reports. Every month we break down LA County, Orange County and the Inland Empire by city to show you inventory, sold prices, days on market and more stats so you understand exactly how each local market is behaving and how it compares to the rest.
Pro Tip: Only look at houses that fit in your price range. Sounds simple enough, but it’s tempting to just peek at the pretty homes outside of your budget. Resist temptation and you’ll save yourself the trouble of falling for something you can’t afford.
Location
The location of your new home is just as important, if not more important, than what’s inside it. Your home will serve as the base for you and your family, so choosing a great neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will need to make. Considering things like commute time, crime rate, and nearby amenities will help you paint a better picture of which neighborhood is right for you.
Browse local communities in Southern California and start learning more about what makes each city unique.
Features & Amenities
Once you’ve decided what type of neighborhood will suit your needs, the next step is to consider what you would like inside the house and around it. Start by making a list of wants and then from there narrow down what are must-haves and what are just nice to have. If having a big yard is essential to you than make sure that you include large yards as a requirement while searching for a new home.
Searching for a home is a delicate balance of compromises so figuring out the difference between what you need and what you want early on is crucial. If you compromise on what you can’t live without, your dream home could turn into a nightmare in the long run.
Structure
Some homes may be on the market at a price point that seems too good to be true. Sometimes you may have found a fantastic bargain, but other times this could mean there is structural damage to the house. That’s why it’s essential for you to have any home inspected before you buy it.
When you find mold one month in or the foundation cracks, you’re liable and responsible. Unearthing issues after you buy is no small problem and could cost you thousands in repairs and remodels.
Go with your gut
Even after you have weighed all of these factors, there is one final thing to consider. When you find the home that fits you and your family perfectly, you should be able to feel it. If pulling up in a driveway and walking through the front door of a home gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, it may just be the perfect one for you. Never underestimate the power of your gut feeling!
Working with an experienced agent is another way to combat the homebuyer blues. They’ve worked with dozens of buyers and know how to guide the home buying process. From negotiating the right price for you to providing advice on mortgage loans and more, a real estate agent is the best choice you can make.
Email us at clientservices@firstteam.com
Call us at 888-870-1142
This guest post is written by Kara Masterson, a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. Informational credit: Midwest Moving & Storage Inc.
