Craig Barrett of CraigsMortgageService.com shared 10 house hunting tips that make it easier to find a new home.
Albeit a great piece of information already, we here at Zoocasa want to take it to the next level and show how you can couple the tips with various resources from our site to equip you with the best knowledge possible when searching for a home.
Take pictures
They will come in handy when you have to compare homes and make a decision.
Don’t do it alone
Bring a friend or family member. It’s always good to have a second opinion.
Remember, this is a huge purchase so you want to surround yourself with people who are looking out for your best interests. Also try to find someone who has already gone through the home buying process for extra tips and insight.
Find out how much you can afford
Concentrate on houses that fit your budget.
Consider the proximity to your place of work
Think about the cost and time it will take for you to commute.
Ask about utilities and other maintenance costs
This will give you an idea of what your expenses will be.
Budget for additional costs
Figure out if you can afford other costs like necessary renovations. Experts recommend that you say 1-2% of the price of your home for closing costs.
Use a Real Estate Agent
Save yourself a lot of time and stress.
Sleep on it before you decide
After a good night’s sleep you may have a different view. Remember this a big purchase! You might have a change of heart so take some time to settle before you sign the dotted line.
Decide on a neighbourhood
Narrow down your search.
Check out the transit, walk, and bike score tabs on our listing pages. Is a bank or grocery close by? What about a gas station or a bar? As mentioned above it goes without saying that you buy the neighbourhood when you buy your home.
Decide what you need vs want
Stay focused on what’s important.
Live within your means! We would all love to live in a 12 bedroom mansion (and someday you just might) but by following the pointers above coupled with our tips, you might already know the answer to this question.
