While making your next move can be an exciting time, it is also a significant decision in one’s life than can also come with stress if not adequately prepared.
House hunting can be incredibly stressful for first-time buyers or those who have not been up to date on the real estate market for many, many years. Fortunately, there are several things one can do to help relieve many of the pressures and stresses of house-hunting.
With our recent conversation with some top real estate agents at Harvey Kalles Real Estate, careful preparation ahead of time, as well as a little help from professional services, you can focus more of your time on finding the home of your dreams with less hassle and hope for a better price. Here are some tips.
Have a Wish List
If you’re looking for a new home, chances are there’s a reason for it, whether it be a new job, a new family member on the way, or just a need for an overall change of space. Whatever your reason for moving, chances are you have slowly begun to compile a list of “must-haves.”
A person’s “must-haves” can vary depending on their needs but are usually something they can’t be budged on, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, commute to schools or work, and more. For those seeking new condos, they may require amenities like ensuite laundry, gym access, or private lockers.
It’s good to compile your wish list ahead of time to help weed out any unfitting homes, saving yourself time and effort that could otherwise be spent looking for better homes.
Your must-have list should only comprise of a few items you can’t live without, as having too many specific wants can make it difficult to find a suitable home.
Hire a Real Estate Agent
One of the best things you can do when seeking a home is to hire a professional real estate agent to help you. A real estate agent can help you handle many of the important tasks that come with seeking a home, from sending you listings, setting up viewings, and settling paperwork.
A real estate agent will also help you get the best deal on a home, as well as have exclusive listings that may not be released to the public.
Pre-Approved Mortgages
Those seeking a home can save themselves both disappointment and time by applying for a pre-approved mortgage.
By applying for one of these, you will know ahead of time exactly how much you are able to offer when a property you like becomes available, including how much your monthly payments may be. This will help keep you reigned in and not make an offer you may otherwise be rejected by the bank.
When you’re pre-approved, you also won’t need to sit and wait around for loan approval, which can speed up the point of sale and be extra enticing to sellers, knowing you are guaranteed to be able to afford the home and that they will be able to sell it to you faster.
