8 House Hunting Tips To Save You Time & Energy

March 18, 2014

With so many things to keep track of, house hunting is not an easy task. Following these tips will make your search easier and guide you in choosing the perfect home for you and your family.

1. Make a List

Before you begin your search, sit down with all decision-makers and write down everything you want in your home. Choose a few requirements that if the home does not have it can be immediately scratched from the list. Then make a list of what you would like and definitely do not want in a home. Making these decisions prior to visiting homes will significantly narrow your search and save you time.

2. Location

Choosing the right location is crucial before visiting homes. Not only do you want to be in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, but you should have other concerns as well. Calculating your commute to work, the quality of schools, and availability of shopping centers, grocery stores, and other amenities are important things to considering before choosing a specific neighborhood.

3. Do Your Research

Once you choose a few neighborhoods you would like your new home to be in, be sure to do your research. Market and neighborhood statistics that you can find online, will provide you with important information. Also gathering data on recent sale prices will give you a better idea on what you can expect to pay for a new home in that specific location.

4. Be Thorough During House Tours

When you start visiting homes, make sure to be as thorough as possible. Open closets, cupboards, and drawers to see how much storage you can expect. Take notice to how many and how big they are: if they seem packed of the current homeowners belongings, the house may lack storage space!

Also, make sure you are not just looking at the obvious. Check out the ceilings, walls, floors, trim, and windows that tell you a lot about the intricacy of the home.

5. Speak Your Mind

Don’t be afraid to tell your realtor what you dislike in a home. You won’t be offending anyone and it will help your realtor know what you may like better in a different home. This way you will be able to avoid others houses with the same features, to save time.

6. Make a Comparison Chart

Looking at a bunch of different houses can become confusing. Take detailed notes about each individual house. Consider all the features of a house and make a comparison chart to easily compare all the houses during your search.

7. Take Pictures

Taking pictures is also a great way to keep each house separated in your mind. Make sure you ask before doing so, but this is extremely useful if you’re looking at lots of houses. A short video tour can also be a way to remember the specifics of a house.

8. Visit at Different Times of Day

Not only can a house look different at various times of day, but the atmosphere around it can change too. Try to visit at night and take notice to the noise level and if it would fit your lifestyle.

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