Buying a home this year? Unsure of where to start or even what to be thinking about? No worries! Prevent unneeded stress during your purchase with knowledge on your side. Here are the 4 main considerations for you to ponder over when buying a home:
1) Determine your budget.
Your primary cost is a mortgage. This means that you are going to have to determine the maximum price you can afford. Also, when calculating this number, don't forget that there are smaller costs! For example, property insurance, taxes, electricity, water bills, and other fees that can come up. The sum of all these costs will be your budget. A budget will be invaluable to you when you look for a home - it keeps you grounded. Knowing what you can afford and wanting everything in a home are, let's face it, two different things. Luxuries can come later, when your basics are all met!
2) Give yourself time to organize.
Moving isn't as simple as packing up your stuff and renting a van. Often, it takes a village to move into a new neighbourhood! If you're able to enlist some help, make sure you choose individuals who will be helpful and generally pleasant, so you don't experience extra stress. If it's just you, or just you and your partner, a great time-saver is to organize your boxes by room. This way, when you need to make multiple trips, you can do it one room at a time! A final tip: don't fill your boxes right to the top. They stay lighter, so you won't injure your back from lifting all day.
3) It doesn't have to be perfect.
There's nothing wrong with knowing what you want when it comes to buying a home. However, if your "must-have" list gets too long and too specific, you may end up looking for an extended period of time. Knowing this fact is usually the biggest pill to swallow when it comes to looking for a home, and it's best to realize it earlier on. It saves you time, and it saves you future disappointments. And hey! Remember that you can always make changes once you move in. For now, look past the 70's shag rug and weird wallpaper. Your ideal home may just take some time to work on.
4) Consider your future plans.
Think about how long you will want or need to stay in this house. Think about if it will suit your needs both now and in the future. Are there enough bedrooms? Are you located near any schools? What's nearby for recreation? A home that serves you now is great. A home that will serve you for a lifetime is outstanding.
Once you've considered these points in detail, you are ready to begin the process! No need to worry about buyer's regret - you've got it all figured out. And only with just a little help from your friendly, neighbourhood Century 21. ;)
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