When you are searching for a new home, you don’t always find the right one quickly. Depending on where you live, the market can be saturated with options. Narrowing your search can be difficult. MyBMS Moving & Storage has helped countless clients all across the country move into their new homes. While we aren’t realtors, we meet quite a few in our line of work. Here are a few simple tips they suggest that can help you narrow things down.
Get Preapproved
The first step you need to take when house hunting is to get a preapproval letter from a lender. Not only does this look very attractive to sellers, but also will give you a good idea of your budget. You always want to purchase a home that you can comfortably afford. Bring your preapproval letter to your relator’s office and discuss a price range for your new home. You don’t want to spend up to the maximum, as this can lead to an unrealistic monthly mortgage payment if your income fluctuates. Budget for the unexpected and you should have a good idea of the type of home you can afford to buy.
Visit Neighborhoods
Especially if you are looking to purchase in a bigger city, you will want to drive through the local areas. Sometimes you can’t get a sense of a place just from photos or blogs. Take some time and drive through a few neighborhoods at different times of the day. One area of town may seem quiet and peaceful during work hours but then turn into one giant party at night. Choosing a few neighborhoods that you are interested in can help narrow your search.
Talk to the Locals
Are you moving to a city that you don’t know very well? Talk to the locals about the neighborhoods you have chosen. Post on local online forums about the area. Most people are happy to share their opinions and experiences. Getting actual advice from people who live there can help you make a decision on where you should be looking and where you need to avoid.
Create an “Absolutely Yes or No” List
Everyone has deal breakers when it comes to purchasing a home. You may hate small closets, Jacuzzi tubs, or cringe at the color blue. On the flip side, you may need three bedrooms and want a pool in the backyard. Make a list of things you absolutely hate and things you require. Bring this list to your real estate agent. They can go through the list of available properties and match you with homes that fit your criteria.
Do Your Research
There are many great home search sites like Zillow and Trulia. They can help you create favorite lists, look at homes in different areas, and pass the information along to your realtor. Don’t rely solely on these home sites, as the sheer number of properties on it can get extremely overwhelming. Real estate search sites serve to help you get a sense of what you like, where you want to be, and the prices you can expect.
Once you find the perfect house, you can call myBMS Moving & Storage to help you move in. Call our expert movers at (877) 594-1187 today for your free moving quote.
