The Dos and Don’ts of House Hunting

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Buying a new home requires a lot of work, whether it’s saving up money, finding the right real estate agent for the job, or discovering neighborhoods that work and don’t work for you. Overall, it can be a real struggle if you don’t know what to look out for and what common mistakes you should avoid. Looking for a new house can be a stressful task, but knowing the dos and don’ts of house hunting can make it much easier for you to go through this process with ease and land your perfect home!

 

DO:

  • Have an emergency fund. This will benefit you when everything about a house is perfect except those one or two changes you may want to make in the kitchen. Just setting some money aside from your actual budget will also keep you at ease and prepare you in case there is a setback with the house in regard to systematic problems and structural hiccups.
  • Make a list of your needs/wants/must-haves for your dream home. Having a plan will help you narrow down what you can live without and what is absolutely necessary in your new house.
  • Check your credit score well in advance of finding a home. Ignoring it and hoping it improves will hinder your ability to buy a home in the future. Building your credit score seems terrifying at first, but it’s crucial when it comes to everything from buying a house to leasing a car. So, consult a professional if this is something you’re not comfortable managing on your own.
  • Keep in mind additional fees some neighborhoods might have. These can include homeowners association fees, club house fees, garbage removal, and property tax.
  • Share your honest feelings about a house with the Realtor. You don’t want to end up touring the same type of house solely because you didn’t voice your thoughts and feelings. With that being said, still be mindful of the sellers that may be listening and use language that is respectful and courteous.
  • Go with one or two people that you trust to help you out during this process. Whether it’s your significant other or a close friend, these people should be the ones that you want by your side when it comes down to making tough decisions.

 

DON’T:

  • Wait to get home inspections done last minute or skip them altogether. Home inspections are essential in making sure there are no current complications with the house especially if you plan on putting an offer down or have already done so. Delaying inspections will only cost you money in the future if something happens to be wrong with the electrical, plumbing, or foundation.
  • Involve emotions in your house hunting. If a house is not in your budget, let it go (even if you absolutely love it). Being realistic with what you can and cannot afford will allow you to find a home that works for both you and your bank account.
  • Attempt to go at it alone. Realtors will be your best friend during this time. They are experts in house hunting that aim to find and sell you the home of your dreams as well as help you answer any and all questions you may have. Just like you wouldn’t try to do the job of a doctor or a lawyer so too you shouldn’t try to be your own real estate agent. Leave it to the professionals.
  • Move into a neighborhood without doing your research on schools, crime rates, and surrounding areas. Sometimes there’s more to know about than just the house itself.  There’s nothing worse than moving into a new home only to find out the neighborhood is problematic or not in the ideal school district. Learning and understanding the affordances and restrictions of a neighborhood can show you what to avoid and can also help you be the best neighbor once you move in.
  • Try to cancel viewings at the last second. This is not only wasting your Realtor’s time but also the sellers’ that are involved in the showings. If you don’t think you’ll make it to a house tour, then try to respect everyone’s time and give some notice.
  • Bring too many people along with you during this house hunting process. Too many people can become overwhelming and make finding your dream home next to impossible.

 

House hunting may seem like an overwhelming task when you don’t know where to start, but it doesn’t have to be. From checking out the neighborhoods to maintaining an emergency fund, this checklist helps to prepare you for your home search. By keeping in mind these dos and don’ts of house hunting, you can become an expert on what to do and what to avoid during this process to make this seemingly stressful job a breeze and find your ultimate dream home.

 

Jessica Shuman

Home & Yard Magazine