Buying your first home is fun and exciting, but it can also be intimidating. There is a lot that goes into the homebuying process, from completing a ton of paperwork and browsing through listings to negotiating, attending showings, and more. To ensure that you do not become overwhelmed during the process, there are some things you should know beforehand. Check out this post to learn more.
Find the Right Real Estate Agent
It is easy to find a real estate agent. However, finding the right agent is the difficult part. A good agent will help you find the ideal home for you, and will do so factoring in other key factors like budget and location.
Always bear in mind that buying a home is more than making a payment. A lot goes into the transfer of ownership, including legal considerations. Furthermore, locate a New Tecumseth real estate agent who is well-versed in the local market. Such an agent will be familiar with the housing stock, and trends in the area, which can be helpful in securing a great deal.
Be Real with What You Can Afford
You must determine how much you can afford to put down on your first home. Remember that there will be additional charges once you own the property. These extra expenses include the cost of repairs, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and more.
Moreover, you do not want to be house poor. Being “house poor” means that you spend a considerable amount of your earnings on property ownership, leaving you with little to spend on an everyday basis. If you plan to finance your home with a mortgage, obtaining a pre-approval can be a great way to establish your budget.
You Must Compromise
There is no such thing as a “perfect” home. As a homebuyer, the 3 things you should not skimp on are price, size, and location. Once you buy a home, these factors remain constant. However, you might not always locate your exact preference.
Understand that it is okay to compromise. For instance, you might want a home to have desirable amenities like a pool, home theater, smart technology, and more. In such cases, you can still buy the home and renovate it to incorporate these desirable features.
Never Forgo the Home Inspection
Regardless of how new the property is or how wonderful it appears, do not forgo a home inspection before making an offer. Your home inspector should check all the parts of the home, from its structural stability and foundation to the heating and cooling system and appliances.
If you notice minor repairs that the seller might not be willing to fix, you can use the inspection report to request for a price reduction. However, if you notice a huge concern, such as an issue with the foundation, it might be best to pass up on the property.
Do Not Skip the Final Walk-Through
Some New Tecumseth homes close faster than others. However, once the essential repairs are completed, and you are about to close on the property, you should do a final walk-through with your agent.
This check is to ensure that the repairs were done appropriately, no issues were overlooked, and no new problems have come up. While you may believe everything is fine, it is best to double-check.
Partner with Angela Rossi to Find Your Dream New Tecumseth Home
Buying a home can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You do not want to go into the homebuying process alone, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Work with Angela Rossi for expert guidance through every step of the process. Angela puts the interests of her clients first, and will leverage on her experience and connections to find you the perfect home. Make a call today to begin your home search.