The search for a new home can be an exciting adventure when you go about it in an informed and organized manner. Consider the following ideas when you’re preparing to shop for a new home to make the process easier on you and prevent dealing with headaches down the road.
Make a List of Your Priorities
Both your wants and your needs should come into play when you begin shopping for a new home. It can be incredibly helpful to sit down and make a list of your priorities. Begin with your needs and restraints, such as the location of your new home and its proximity to your workplace or local schools, whether you need yard space for your children or pets, your time constraints and the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for a home.
Then include your wants, such as how many stories you want in your home, whether you want a finished attic or basement, how many bedrooms or bathrooms you want in your home and whether you want your home to include a fireplace. The housing market has many options, so this can help you narrow them down in the beginning of your search. You can always reconsider certain points later on if your search is too specific.
Start Saving
As soon as you begin to consider investing in a new home, start saving your money. Cut down on your non-essential spending, and avoid making any big purchases before you buy your home. Try opening a savings account that is paired to your checking account so that every time you spend money, a percentage of the funds in your checking account is automatically transferred to your saving account. You can also use this time to improve your credit score. Since you’re spending less, you can dedicate more of your funds to paying off debt.
Frequent Open Houses
Even if you’re not necessarily interested in the specific homes, going to a variety of open houses can give you a better idea of what kind of home you’re realistically going to be able to buy with your budget. Maybe you have a certain style or location in mind, but open houses in that area demonstrate that it’s not feasible for you. Or perhaps you’ll come across a home you didn’t even know you wanted until you gave it a tour.
Check Out the Neighbourhood
Checking out your prospective neighbourhood is one of the most important things you can do when shopping for a new home. You may think you’ve found the home of your dreams, but neglecting to check out the neighbourhood can lead to disaster after you’ve already moved in. Drive by the house at different times of the day including early morning, midday and late at night to get a feel for the area. Make the drive from your prospective house to your workplace and back to make sure that it’s something you can handle on a daily basis.
Confirm the Property Lines
Whenever you’re seriously considering buying a home, always get the property surveyed beforehand. You want to know exactly how much you are getting for your money, and you don’t want to wind up with a border dispute later down the road.
Shop for a New Home with MLS Maple Ridge
The real estate experts at MLS Maple Ridge are here for you when you decide it’s time to shop for a new home. Contact us today, and let is help you begin your adventure to find the home of your dreams.
