Finding the perfect home may seem like a daunting task, especially for first time home buyers. But with the right professional help and planning, the path to your dream home can be a breeze! To help you get started on your new home search, we have created this guide with useful tips to assist you through the process.
Getting Started
- Ask for professional help. While the initial search for a home may seem easy to do online, there are many steps that need to be taken to successfully purchase a home. Real estate agents ensure the buying process goes smoothly by assisting you with the necessary steps and paperwork. Your agent will also help evaluate the value of prospective homes and negotiate with the seller to make sure you do not overpay for a home. A good example of a professional realtor is The Kay-Grant Group whose has a site that allows you to search Scottsdale condos and houses or will assist with setting up a search for you.
- Make a list of your preferences and expectations for your home. Realize that you may not be able to get everything on your wish list in one home, and prioritize your needs versus wants in order of importance.
- Review your budget carefully to calculate how much you can afford to spend on your new home while maintaining your desired lifestyle.
- Try to make a plan for the following three or even five years. If you invest in a large house, are you able to cover all the spending? If you are, go for it!
Hiring a Reliable Real Estate Agent
We have decided that the best method for finding your dream house quickly is with the help of a real estate agency. But you should be careful how you go about hiring an agent because there are many companies that are interested only in taking your money. Below are some things to consider when choosing a real estate agent.
- Your real estate agent should be a trustworthy person who is committed to guiding you through the buying process. They should be knowledgeable and reliable, especially during negotiations.
- Your real estate agency should work diligently to find a property which is suitable for your needs and budget.
- If you have to sell your current residence in order to be able to buy a new one, they should have experience in listing homes as well as buying.
Choosing Your Perfect Home
How many rooms do I need for my house? Consider how many people will be living in the home, and if you plan on having guests stay at your home often. If you are looking for a way to bring in extra income, you may want an extra bedroom to rent out. Other things to consider are whether your family may be growing with kids, or if older family members who need more assistance may move in.
Do I need a yard? When making this decision, think about the pros and cons of buying a home with a yard. It can be a great place for entertaining, pets and children. Larger yards are great for gardeners, playgrounds and multiple pets. While a smaller yard will have less upkeep, depending on your neighborhood layout you may be closer to neighbors.
Should I choose a downtown residence? Well, the answer depends on your budget. In most areas a downtown residence is more expensive than one which is located in the suburbs. Consider the convenience of being located downtown versus the extra space you may be able to afford if you move further outside of the city.
Decorating Your New Home:
Keep it as simple as you can. There are many websites and magazines that can be helpful in deciding how to decorate your home. By planning out the space in each room and sticking to themes when possible, you can avoid creating an overwhelming and cluttered home. Don’t have the time or creativity to do it all yourself? Hiring an interior designer is another option.
Pick a color scheme and stick to it. Buy sample cartons of paint colors you may be considering for your home and test them out in different rooms. Remember that light colors create brighter and larger looking rooms, while deeper shades can at times make a room feel smaller. Psychologists say that colors can influence your mood, making you feel better or worst. Take your time in this important step of decorating your home.
Choose furniture that fits your space. When dealing with smaller homes and rooms, consider buying furniture that has more than one use. If you are planning a larger home or room, use your furniture placement to your advantage and create “zones”. Doing so will make open areas feel more inviting and cozy.
