It can be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. Here are 5 tips from realtor.com’s article “How to Find Your dream Home – Without Losing Your Mind.”
- Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start
If you are serious about buying a home, get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start your home search. Even if the market is not as competitive, understanding your budget will you give you confidence and limits in your home search. This also prevents you from falling for a home outside your price range.
- Know the Difference Between Your “Must-Haves” and “Would-Like-To-Haves”
Before you start your search, list all the features of a home you would like. Qualify them as “must-haves,” “should-haves,” or “wish-list” items. This will help you stay focused on what’s important should you need to cut things to stay within budget.
- Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You want to Live
Before you commit to a home based solely on the house itself, take a test-drive of the area. Make sure it meets your needs for amenities, commute, school district, etc.
- Pick A House Style You Love & Stick to It
Evaluate your family’s needs and settle on a style of home that best suits them. Just because you’ve narrowed your search down to a zip code doesn’t mean you need to tour ever listing in that vicinity. This will narrow done your search parameters and focus on what’s important.
- Document Your Home Visits
Once you start touring homes, the features of each home may start to blur together. Keep your camera and a notebook handy and make notes on the listing sheet to document what you like and dislike about each property you visit.
In a high-paced, competitive environment, any advantage you can give yourself will help you on your path to buying your dream home. Contact a Century 21 Sweyer agent in your area for guidance on your next home search.
Wilmington Landfall Office
1612 Military Cutoff Road – Ste. 200
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 256-0021
Hampstead Office
16406 U.S. 17, #5
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270 3606
Jacksonville Office
301-C Western Blvd.
Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-353-7755
Holden Beach Office
3446 Holden Beach Rd #3
Holden Beach, NC 28462
(910) 842-5500
Carolina Beach Office
123 Harper Avenue
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-3739
Historic Downtown Wilmington Office
21 B Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 342-0155
Morehead City Office
4644 Arendell St B
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 240-2100