Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for Your Next Home
The decision to purchase a home—whether is it your first purchase, or
your second or third home—is always a major financial decision. It is
important to educate yourself prior to any purchase to ensure you’re
getting exactly what you bargained for.
One of the first steps to take when buying a home is choosing the right agent to represent you. Be sure to do your research and find an experienced agent in the area. Many buyers make the mistake of using a family friend with a real estate license. However if that agent does not have the proper experience you should not be afraid to say no and search on your own, as this is a huge financial decision. Make sure you are comfortable with the person, and that they have a strong record of getting deals done in the Central Texas area.
You will also need to meet with a lender to determine the price range of the home you should be focused on, which dependson your pre-approval amount. Your agent may be able to provide a short list of lenders to speak with. When selecting a lender it’s a good idea to pick one that is local to Central Texas area, if you’re looking for a home here. Local lenders understand the local markets and are more likely to be able to help you close on your dream home in time.
Once you have your agent and lender you will be able to focus on the type of house you want. You should speak with your agent and discuss your absolute must-haves {do you want a basement, a large garage, an attic, a pool? If so, be sure to let your agent know!). You can then have a “would-like” list of features & amenities you’d like your future home to have, but that aren’t essential if you found the right place with the “must-haves.”
Once you have found your home and your agent as successfully negotiated the contract for you, you will want to conduct a home inspection. This is one of the most important parts of the home buying process and is your opportunity to really learn about nuts and bolts of the home and its systems so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you want to move forward with the purchase.
A good agent will have a trusted pool of home inspectors that you can tap into for inspections. These home inspection periods typically last about a week, during which time you can bring in contractors, roofers, plumbers, etc. to look at the condition of everything. Here are some of the most important items to look at:
If you like this article check out Exterior Considerations to Keep in Mind While Hunting for Your Next Home
One of the first steps to take when buying a home is choosing the right agent to represent you. Be sure to do your research and find an experienced agent in the area. Many buyers make the mistake of using a family friend with a real estate license. However if that agent does not have the proper experience you should not be afraid to say no and search on your own, as this is a huge financial decision. Make sure you are comfortable with the person, and that they have a strong record of getting deals done in the Central Texas area.
You will also need to meet with a lender to determine the price range of the home you should be focused on, which dependson your pre-approval amount. Your agent may be able to provide a short list of lenders to speak with. When selecting a lender it’s a good idea to pick one that is local to Central Texas area, if you’re looking for a home here. Local lenders understand the local markets and are more likely to be able to help you close on your dream home in time.
Once you have your agent and lender you will be able to focus on the type of house you want. You should speak with your agent and discuss your absolute must-haves {do you want a basement, a large garage, an attic, a pool? If so, be sure to let your agent know!). You can then have a “would-like” list of features & amenities you’d like your future home to have, but that aren’t essential if you found the right place with the “must-haves.”
Once you have found your home and your agent as successfully negotiated the contract for you, you will want to conduct a home inspection. This is one of the most important parts of the home buying process and is your opportunity to really learn about nuts and bolts of the home and its systems so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you want to move forward with the purchase.
A good agent will have a trusted pool of home inspectors that you can tap into for inspections. These home inspection periods typically last about a week, during which time you can bring in contractors, roofers, plumbers, etc. to look at the condition of everything. Here are some of the most important items to look at:
- The Roof: Determining the age of the roof and the timeframe on when it will need to be replaced is important. Replacing the roof can be an expensive under taking and it is crucial to understand the likelihood of having to replace it.
- Appliance Ages & Conditions: Again you will want to know the age of the HVAC system and the household appliances. If they’re getting old and worn down, you’ll want to factor that in so your wallet doesn’t get hit from any nasty surprises shortly after settling in.
- Insulation: A properly insulated home helps keep your home comfortable without overexerting your HVAC system. A properly insulated attic and clean ducts can reduce heating bills year-round. An added bonus is double-paned windows, which help prevent precious cooled or heated air from leaking out.
- Plumbing: Be sure to check underneath the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to examine the pipes. Keep an eye peeled for leaks & water damage, and especially mold. Not only does mold, smell, it can cause health problems (especially for babies and elderly people).
If you like this article check out Exterior Considerations to Keep in Mind While Hunting for Your Next Home
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