DELICIOUS
SU
REDDIT
Buying a home is a process. It takes planning and time. There are many factors one should consider. Focus on what need. Decide on what you want in a house, for example number of bedrooms, yard, garage, price, location, amenities, closets, potential for growth, etc. It may be a better strategy to buy a house below your means so you can afford to live a more comfortable less stressful lifestyle. Just in case there are financial issues in the future, you won’t struggle with mortgage payments. You do not want to lose your house if something happens with your income.
Try to find a house that is big enough for your needs and you fill comfortable in. Do not settle for a house that you are expecting to be your “starter” home. Often, you end up staying in a home much longer than may have originally anticipated. Find a house that you love and could imagine living in for years. Decide on what area you are interested in and drive around and check it out at different parts of the day. If you have kids, check out the local schools. The worst house on the best block is better than the best house on the worst block. Remember that you also have to heat and cool the house. Buying bigger means all bills will be bigger.
Do not expect to find a home right away, or at least, do not settle on a home right away. Go online and check out the listings of several real estate companies in the area you would like to live in. Come up with a list of the basic must haves. Use the Internet to your advantage. Eliminate houses that do not meet these requirements. Choose at least a dozen homes to physically view. Talk to several first time homebuyers that bought their house a year ago and ask the following questions. If they were to buy a house today, what would they be looking for? What would they do different?
They have experience in today’s market in both home buying and securing home loans. Do as much research as you can because buying a home may be the biggest purchase of your life and is an extremely important one that should be calculated in every aspect. You also have to ask yourself if it’s even the right time to buy a house, very important to make sure you are ready for the adventure.
What are some of your tips when researching to buy a home?
If you are looking at older homes – consider how handy you are in terms of repairs. A cheaper older home isn’t cheap if you have to hire a handyman every month to take care of something. We purposely bought an older home (built in 1937) because I have the tools and skills to do things on my own (the desire and motivation are another issue!!).
It became clear when we moved in that the previous owners weren’t handy and didn’t hire good help for repairs. I was able to correct the issues, but I think one of the reasons they sold was the mounting number of repair issues they were facing. They ended up building new.
Also – always ask pointed questions about water in basements of older homes. We didn’t pay enough attention and now regret it a little.
Great advice about older homes. They may seem like a bargain, just make sure you know what type of work needs to go into it, like you mention could run you a lot of extra money. Maybe it’s still worth it, maybe not. Bottom line is to do as much research as possible.
Also remember to ask about insulation in old homes. One of my friends has bundled up in her home through 2 very cold winters. They bought the home in the summer and did not ask about insulation and the sellers didn’t bring this to their attention. Even after adding insulation to their attic during a weekend project, their home is still uncomfortably cold all winter. That’s the first question on her list now.
@Kelly that’s a great point. You don’t want to worry about this issue when it’s too late and winter has arrived. Handle it right away. There are more options available today as well that can help and save money when the winter comes.
Great tips! We’re looking to buy a home this year. It’s a daunting process to think about a purchase like a home and what is involved.
FFB’s last blog post..Excuse Busters For Not Having A Budget
Good luck, let me know how the process goes. I am not up to that point in my life yet but it seems to be a long slow process that involves a lot of preparation because it is such a huge decision.
Your post is very well crafted and I have learned. I
@Handyman Thank you. I am glad you learned something from the post.
I am definitely agree with you that there are several things to consider before buying a house..Anyway,thanks for sharing this post..I find it very useful..Keep on posting!
I totally agree after recently buying a house I honestly looked at over fifty house before deciding and I am a contractor make sure it is what you really want
Don
don@handymanservices ´s last blog ..Handyman Services for Investors