So you’ve decided that 2021 is the year to buy a house. Maybe this isn’t the first time you’ve bought a house, or maybe you’ve done this before. Either way, there are some tips to follow to be smart when starting the process for this major purchase, to ensure that you are successful and land the home of your dreams. Here are some factors to consider:
Know your must-haves
You probably want to buy a house because your current house isn’t meeting your needs, either budget-wise or when it comes to space. But you need a plan to get there, firstly, because there are many options out there, and secondly, because there is a lot of competition when it comes to buying. Before you start your search, make an honest assessment of what you really need in your next house. Maybe it’s a second bathroom, or a space for a home office filled with office equipment, or a homework and study area for the kids? Maybe it’s your dream to have a backyard to host parties and give the kids and pets somewhere to run free. Whatever your dreams, make a list of them and be honest about what your ideal home looks like.
Have a realistic budget
Part of visualizing your dream home is also being honest about your budget. It does not matter if you have opted for a cash purchase (if interested, you can look at https://reali.com/cash-offer/ for offers) or a home loan! While you might fantasize about having a pool or spa in the backyard, can you really afford it? Knowing the maximum amount that you can spend on a house will help you target those homes that are really within your reach. For example, if you find yourself with a smaller deposit for a down payment than you had expected, you might want to take a look at New Homes in Kelowna from the 500s, or other similar options, where you can enjoy a good quality of life on your budget. Similarly, whatever your budget may be, if you search thoroughly enough, you are more than likely to find the right home for you. Be that as it may, if you want to increase your budget, you can try selling your old house and adding the amount you receive to the existing budget. If that is the case, you are selling a home to buy a new one, you can use the Net Proceeds calculator from HomeLight to see how much home you can afford. In today’s market, it’s also important to be aware that you might end up needing to pay a bit over the asking price to compete with other buyers who might also be vying for your dream home.
Study the market
When it comes to finances, understanding the market in your targeted area (and how it might be changing) can help you create a realistic budget. A real estate agent can advise you, but before you even hire an agent, you can check out a site like Zillow, which is constantly pulling data on housing market prices, so you can see how they are changing in your neighborhood.
Hire an expert
If you hire a real estate agent, they will be your best advocate to help you land that dream home. Your goal should be to hire a professional who has experience working in your targeted city and neighborhood so they’ll know about market fluctuations and can quickly advise you when they see a home that might fit your parameters.
Understand the realities of bidding wars
In today’s real estate market, it’s likely that you won’t be the only one who wants to move into that perfect home with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a home office, and an expansive backyard. That’s because in United States cities, there are not enough homes to keep up with demand. That means homes are selling for over the asking price with buyers competing to outbid each other. Your agent can advise you about how much extra you might expect to pay in your targeted market, so you can modify your budget accordingly.
Be patient
Whether you are in the market for a ready-made custom-built home from firms like J&K Custom Homes (https://www.jkcustomhomes.net/) or embarking on the journey of building a house from scratch, it’s essential to accept that the process often takes longer than you might think. Understanding this reality from the start can help you approach the home-buying or building process with a sense of calm and patience. While delays may occur, it’s important to trust that your dream home is out there, even if it takes a bit longer to find or create. This mindset will prevent frustration and keep you focused on achieving your ultimate goal of finding the perfect home.
In wrapping up, buying a house is a big decision that needs careful thought and planning. Know what you really need, set a budget you can stick to, keep an eye on the market, and lean on experts for guidance. Be prepared for the reality of competing with other buyers and be patient in your search. Whether you are eyeing a custom-built gem or starting from scratch, stay focused on finding that perfect fit. With determination and the right approach, you’ll soon be walking through the door of your dream home.