Warmer weather is almost upon us, and when it arrives, so too will the popular spring homebuying season! If you plan to start your search for the perfect place this spring, prepare for a fun adventure — but also a competitive one! These three tips will help guide you through the process, prepare you for success, and get a leg up on other homebuyers.
1. Know how much you have to spend.
Kickstart your homebuying journey by preparing a budget with your monthly expenses to get an idea of what you can afford to spend on a home. Getting pre-approved from a lender will qualify you for a specific loan amount, letting you know exactly how much house you can afford. This will help direct you towards properties that are attainable and will declutter your home search. Getting pre-approved is an important first step in kickstarting the homebuying process, but not the only one! Click here for more detailed information on how to get off to a great start.
2. Location, Location, Location.
It seems cliché, but the importance of location can never be understated. Do your research into your area(s) of interest. Check school rankings, crime statistics, and drive around the neighborhood at different times of day. Check out popular real estate apps, like WalkScore and GreatSchools, to make this process a little easier. At the end of the day, however, there is no substitute for real life experience! Checking out an area firsthand will help you envision what life could be like in a home you love in a more tangible way.
3. Be flexible: list must-haves vs. wants.
Compare and contrast what you need and what can be compromised. Are you willing to commute further for a larger, less expensive home in a quiet neighbor? Is a 4th bedroom really necessary? Can you live with an electric stove? These are examples of the types questions that you should ask yourself when selecting your perfect home. Every home is different, and each will have it’s pros and cons, especially if you are working within a budget.
As the weather improves, more home buyers and sellers are likely to enter the market. These tips will help you navigate through all of the listings and make informed decisions. If you need additional help narrowing down the options, make use of our Compare While You Shop checklist as an easy tool to find the house that best meets your needs.
Topics: Buying a Home, Spring Home Buying, Finding the perfect house, Spring Homebuying, how to find the best house for you, homebuying tips, Pre-approval, House Hunting, Preapproval
