Only about 32% of people browsing for a new house are actually first-time home buyers. This means that 68% of home buyers should know how to get the best deal on a house, but experience is no guarantee of success. Many people have purchased a home and had a story to tell afterwards of what went wrong during the process.
A real estate agent is usually considered a helpful addition in the search for a new home. One obvious benefit is that they can help you understand terms used in the industry that might confuse you, such as closing costs, escrow, and the like. But whether you intend to hire a realtor to find your new home for sale or to go at it alone, here are a few tips to help you navigate the recently listed homes for sale in your area.
The Key to Buying a Great House Is Understanding Your Situation.
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A great house is no guarantee of being happy, but tell that to a person who has to cook a meal for four in a tiny kitchen. In other words, there are some guidelines that can steer homebuyers in the right direction. The best way to get a good deal is to know what you want, when you need to have it, and how much you can spend to get it.
Don’t Be Fooled By Clever Staging.
A beautifully decorated home can be enticing to anyone. It’s easy to forget your own family’s living requirements when you’re walking through cleverly arranged furniture. Good staging doesn’t mean your own furniture will evoke the exact same atmosphere if you move in. This is why it’s important to look at the whole picture when shopping for a home.
It can be helpful to think back and remember what you dislike about your current house, or current apartment. Are the bedrooms too small? Do you prefer a much larger kitchen, or conversely, a very small kitchen? Consider what features would best suit your family when looking at recently listed homes for sale. For example, don’t fall in love with a home that only has one bathroom if you are a family with five older children who are prone to fighting.
Understand Your Timeline.
One survey found that about 78% of those home buyers who used a realtor found them to be a good source of information. An area in which they might offer guidance is timing. Some people begin to look for a new home a full year ahead of when they plan to move. Other people give themselves two months to find a new home.
If the home you want to buy has been on the market for a long time, there is a chance of a quick move-in. However, if the goal is a quick closing process, then the best bet is to specifically look at the recently listed homes for sale that feature this option. If you are using a realtor, they might be able to select the homes that meet your requests.
Know What You’re Comfortable Paying.
This may seem obvious, but it is incredible helpful to know at the start some numbers. These numbers include the total budget for the new home, but also the down payment you can afford, as well as the money for closing costs. Closing costs can be rolled into the mortgage payment in some instances, or it can be paid by the seller as an incentive. Don’t get too attached to the recently listed homes for sale unless they are within your budget.
Buying a home can be stressful, but it can also be a fun opportunity to readjust your family’s home life. To make the process easier, know how soon you want to move, how much you can spend, and what features you need versus those you want in this new home. Also, consider if a real estate agent could be helpful if you have any unusual needs surrounding the purchase.
