Whether you are looking to pursue new career opportunities or to be closer to your child’s school, there’s a lot of stress that comes along with moving house. However, before you can even get to the packing and unpacking, you’ve got to find a good place to live first.
Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash
With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to find your dream home!
Set your budget.
While many of us dream of living in mansions that are full of high-end furniture, pools, and other amenities – this is not always a possibility. As such, when you begin browsing for a new house, it’s crucial that you’ve figured out your budget ahead of time. This is important whether you are buying or renting, as it’s important that you do not live beyond your means.
Generally, the 28% rule is a useful one to follow. This rule “dictates that your mortgage shouldn’t be more than 28% of your gross income each month.”
Be specific when searching.
Thousands of properties are put up for sale each day, which could mean that you have your work cut out for you when looking for a dream home. As such, to avoid visiting countless open houses or spending hours looking at each listing in your area, you must be as specific as possible when searching. For example, you should have a clear idea of what you are looking for ahead of time so that you can narrow down your searches.
For example, if you’re looking for 2 bedroom apartments for rent, there’d be little point turning up at open houses for apartments that are too big or too small, or don’t have the right amenities present.
Look for potential.
The chances are you are not going to stumble upon your dream home by chance. This is because homes are something that are built once you move in and begin to personalize the space and make it your own. As a result, when attending property viewings, look for potential instead of perfection.
For example, you can always rejuvenate with home renovations after moving in. After all, the space will instantly feel more homely when you start to decorate your new property, whether you’re hanging up family photographs or painting the walls your favorite color.
It’s also important to remember that buying properties that aren’t necessarily perfect could also save you some money when it comes to upfront costs, though you should factor the cost of maintenance plans into your decision.
Work with a realtor.
Whether you’re buying your first property or haven’t moved in a while, working with a realtor can make it easy to find your dream home, as they can do all of the hard work on your behalf. For example, you simply need to give them an indication of what you are looking for – and they will do the rest. This can also help take some of the stress out of the process, as they’ll guide you through it every step of the way.
