Local Buying Tips

Location, Location, Location!

Tip #1: What’s the budget?  It seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many buyers don’t start by figuring out how much money they have to spend on their house purchase. It’s easy to show up at open houses and fall in love, but why waste time looking at homes that are out of your price range? The last thing you want is to find your dream home and realize it’s way over your budget.  Meet with a lender and start the process for obtaining a home loan.
Remember this: Just because someone will lend you more money doesn’t mean you should borrow it.

Tip #2: Come up with a realistic wish-list. The key here is ‘realistic.’ Based on the housing budget you figured out, and where you want to live, compile a list of what you’d like to have in your home. Check out some homes in your price range online to get a feel for what your money will buy, and make your wish list based on the home you see. If you’d love a fully renovated kitchen but none of the listings in your price range have one, be prepared to compromise. You can always upgrade later.

Tip #3: You may love the home, but get to know the neighborhood before you make an offer. Bad neighbors can affect your property’s value, but good neighbors can be an invaluable resource to homebuyers. If you think you’ve found the neighborhood you want to buy in, take it a step further. Drive throughout the area at various times of day paying attention to traffic and activity in the neighborhood.
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