Buying a home is a hectic, rewarding and sometimes scary experience. Many homebuyers forget or are unaware of important steps which make the process easier. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average buyer takes about 12 weeks before they officially buy a home. Making this sizeable investment requires great patience, proper research and sticking to budget. Take your time to find the property that speaks to you and offers everything on your list. If you are planning to begin house hunting, keep these tips in mind from the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) before signing on the dotted line.
Set a Budget
Develop a budget before you even begin your search. To avoid foreclosures or becoming overwhelmed financially, it is crucial to know what you can afford. Avoid visiting homes outside of your price range as it is easy to become infatuated with expensive features or properties.
A great way to know your limit is by being pre-approved for a loan. Make an appointment with a local lender to determine how the asking price of a home will look as a monthly payment. You should also consider the extra expenses a home requires like utilities, repairs, possibly association fees and property taxes.
Get an Inspection
Once you have decided on a home which meets your budget and desires, don’t skip an inspection. A professional will investigate the home and find issues that you may have missed during the excitement. They will also analyze the integrity of the home from aspects that aren’t easy to spot if you’re inexperienced. Some things they will inspect include:
- Integrity of the foundation.
- Electrical system safety.
- Soundness of the structure.
- Plumbing and HVAC problems.
Worry about the Important Things
You may walk in a home and be unimpressed with decoration schemes, color choices or types of appliances. Buying new furniture or repainting rooms is easy and can be done down the road.
The ASHI urges buyers to consider the important aspects of a home when house hunting. Instead of the appearances, pay attention to how well the layout works for you, number of rooms and functionality of the property.
Free Consultation
Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. For a free consultation on buying a home, down payment assistance or tax issues, call us at 855-768-8845
