While searching for a new house, you are likely to get carried away with the excitement of all your new home features. The pool, the hardwood floors and the updated kitchen you’ve been dreaming of for years can make you forget out critical details – like your budget.
Most buyers do extensive searches online before even heading out to homes, so remembering each detail of the houses can also be a daunting task. Below are a few guidelines that can help you stay focused and make your house-hunting mission simple.
List Your Priorities
Your house searching procedure should start with setting your priorities. This gives you control of the process going forward. Making a clear plan enhances your chances of sealing an important purchase. Make a list of all the things that your new home should have prior to viewing any house. Don’t forget to have a healthy understanding of what you want, and what you need. In addition, when making this list, it is important to take into consideration the needs of your whole family.
Get a Title Insurance
Before closing a home purchase, getting a title insurance is essential. A title insurance ensures you and your lender are safe in case the seller of the property does not have a clear ownership of the property and, thus, cannot legally hand over the ownership to you.
Title insurance also can minimize the losses you may have. Places such as TitleSmart can help you learn more about this type of insurance and can help you find the best plan for you.
Make a Pro-Con List
Each new property you tour comes with a variety of features. Some homes will have better features than others; therefore, comparing each property as you carry out your search will ensure you make the most appropriate choice.
Organize your thoughts with a good old-fashioned pro-con list for each property. The features may comprise the size, neighborhood, and the age of the property. Consider if the property has enough space to support future developments. Include short-term pros and cons as well as long term.
Zero in on Cost
Cost is another essential factor you should consider. You do not need to go beyond your budget limits. Apart from the monthly mortgage payment, there are other costs, such as monthly utility costs, local taxes and, in some cases, association cost when buying. Therefore, before purchasing any property, ensure that you get a complete breakdown of the median monthly as well as yearly payments for the property.
A real estate agent is another tool to help you focus and get down to business on your home search efficiently and effectively. Sit down for a buyer consultation with a First Team agent and get your real estate priorities in order in no time. Are you ready to get the ball rolling?
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.
