A first-time homebuyer’s guide to house hunting - Real Estate Blog

It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking to think soon in the future or if you’re already on the lookout and in a few month’s time, you can get ahold of your own house. It’s exciting looking for potential houses and envisioning your dream interior; it’s nerve-wracking to go through all the daunting documents and other processes you need to accomplish.

When you think you and your spouse are ready to buy a house for your family, don’t step inside model houses knowing close to nothing. At least, do a bit of research to gather basic knowledge regarding the buying process and things to know beforehand.

Get an agent

As soon as you’re approved for your mortgage, you know you’ll immediately start house hunting. And once you do, save yourself some time and trouble of the daunting search by getting yourself an agent.

Imagine you’re in the process of buying a property and you encounter small hiccups along the way without an agent, what’s your move and how much do you know about the issue and how to fix it? Agents have likely experienced these situations and have more knowledge than you about it, they will advise you what is truly happening and they’ll advise you what to do.

Most people think that getting an agent costs a dent in your wallet. Truth is, these agents are commissioned by the sellers once the home is sold. There’s really no need to worry about paying for one once you realize this.

Don’t rush things

There’s no need to rush things especially if you have a baby on the way. As you know, the pressure of that thought alone might compromise all the other factors you should consider when finding the right home for your family.

Take all the time you need, not all the time you think there is. Buying a home isn’t just a stroll in the mall. It’s more than just a home—it’s an investment. Take the time to look around the neighborhood, look in different places, get a second or third opinion, read the fine print, and the like. if you think you’ve done your checklist and you’re truly ready to buy it, then there’s the time to pull the trigger.

Be realistic

Before you start house hunting, get a good grasp of your budget first and don’t get too attached with your dream home. If your budget allows, feel free to make that dream a reality. As a no-brainer rule: be realistic with your expectations and budget.

The reality is, if you have a very limited budget, you may not get to live in your dream home. With this, you need to compromise and scale back a little. It could mean trading a huge bathroom for a bedroom or a hardwood floor to a carpet. Whatever alterations it may be, it won’t put your house on fire so take it easy. This is your first home, chances are you may not live here forever. If it’s for the betterment of your finances, so long as you’ll live comfortably, compromise.

Get to know the neighborhood

One of the most common mistakes first-time homeowners make when looking for a potential home is skipping to check out the neighborhood. It’s extremely important that you don’t miss this step otherwise, prepare to render sleepless nights around a noisy neighborhood; or nights full of terror because of the unsafe location.

Take a few hours or a day to walk around the neighborhood and observe. Do you see yourself living in the community? Do you see yourself walking around there and seeing yourself and your family grow in the neighborhood? Before you lock-in your purchase, explore the location and ensure it’s a safe place to stay.

Consider conducting a home inspection

Albeit most states are required to disclose any property issues with the house, it’s always safe to conduct a home inspection service to ensure the house has no hidden structural problems the sellers fail to bring upon the table. If you’re going to live there for a long time, it’s worth it to have it inspected and have the property owner fix whatever issues are discovered.

Take note of all your negotiations and agreements

Read the fine print and write on paper whatever negotiation and agreement you and the seller have agreed upon; and have them sign it. If you don’t have it on paper, it technically doesn’t exist.

What other tips and advice you’d like to share to our first-time home buyers? Share it with us!

About Chie Suarez

Chie Suarez is a writer/blogger for Wincrest Homes, a company that builds modern family homes in Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Hunter Regions. Chie has a deep interest in home design and decoration.