Create a list of priorities
Before you step foot in a single home, you (and your partner) should make a list of qualities that you’re looking for in a potential home. Then, once you have a decent list, rank them!
You might fall in love with a home, but if the master bedroom doesn’t have a big closet and your shoe collection could fill up a museum, you might have an issue.
Take some time to list down your price range, the amount of bedrooms and bathrooms you’re looking for, if you’d like a fireplace or a jacuzzi tub.
Hire an agent
Okay, so this might seem a little biased coming from an agent, but it really is an important step in the process. Agents are walking bullsh*t detectors — we’re here because we know which questions to ask, what pitfalls to look out for and how to get you the best deal possible.
This isn’t a hard sell, even if you don’t choose to use American Guardian, we highly recommend you find a real estate agent that you feel comfortable with and who is keeping your best interest in mind.
Remember, it’s not just about liking a home
This one is more of a tip on your perspective — it’s not entirely about loving your room, you also want to consider the business side of it. What is the market in this area going to look like in 5 or 10 years?
If you find a house you like, but it’s in a growing area, it might be better than a house you love.
You want to make sure the property is beneficial to you even when the honeymoon phase is over. That being said, you don’t want to make a purely business purchase. Like everything in life, it’s all about balance.
Document everything
If you’ve ever spent an entire day looking at homes, you’ll know how quickly they can all blend together.
Sometimes you’ll forget which one had a pool and which one had a weird creek coming from the front door. These are important factors that you want to remember so take organized notes and pictures of everything. You’ll be kicking yourself later, if you don’t.
Review and compare
If you want a theme of this list, it’s that buying a home is part science and part art. You want to have that Love-At-First-Sight moment with the home you buy, but you also want it to fit your practical and financial needs.
After a week of looking at homes, sit down with your list of priorities and notes from each home and compare everything! See if you find any fits and consult with your agents about any questions or recommendations they have.
If you are looking for an agent, feel free to give us a call.