home-buying Archives

5 Tips for Securing Your Dream Home This Year

The housing market is cooling down, but it’s still tough out there. Today’s high-interest rates have more homeowners staying put instead of risking an increase in rates, meaning there’s less inventory. What does exist is often scooped up by corporate investors with deep cash pockets that an individual buyer simply cannot compete with.

As a potential buyer, you face several hurdles. High-interest rates and decreasing inventory can make your pursuit seem hopeless. Are you destined to rent forever? Would now be a good time to start trekking the wilds in search of a good cave?

Please, take heart. Determined buyers have found ways in equally economically tough times to get a permanent roof over their heads. Here are tips for securing your dream home this year.

Consider a Mortgage Buy-Down

What is a mortgage buy-down? Traditionally, this term refers to a plan lenders use to allow you to reduce high-interest rates by paying more upfront for your home’s purchase. However, it’s critical to understand the terms you agree to if you choose this route.

For example, some buydowns result in a more or less permanent interest rate reduction (unless you later refinance). In such plans, you pay 1% of the total loan amount for each .25% interest rate reduction, although the exact percentages may vary by lender. Lenders also use the term “discount points” to refer to this type of buy-down.

However, there are also temporary buy-downs. These give you a break on your interest for the first year or two, helping you recuperate financially after plopping down a huge downpayment. A 2/1 buydown means the first year’s interest is two percentage points below the long-term rate and 1% lower the second year. A 3/2/1 buydown extends this by one year.

What’s the catch? Lenders must still account for that interest. Either they must pick up the slack, or the home’s seller pays the difference. In that way, this model isn’t that far removed from sellers paying more toward closing costs.

Essentially, these programs result in a lower profit margin for the seller or lender. Therefore, it’s best to keep this card in your back pocket early in negotiations until you know how anxious the seller is to close. If they’ve already purchased elsewhere and don’t want to be stuck with two mortgages, you could be in luck.

Get Smart About Your Search

It’s easy to search for a home online these days, but not quite so simple to find legitimate listings. Popular home search websites can fall woefully out of date, wasting your time with properties already under contract but not yet updated.

Furthermore, scams exist in droves. While you shouldn’t have to worry about commercial sites like Redfin and Zillow, scammers use sites like Craigslist and Nextdoor to “sell” properties for which they have no title, bilking people out of thousands of dollars.

Your best bet is to locate a few properties that meet your specifications and contact the listing agents directly. In some states, real estate agents must decide whether to represent buyers or sellers, but other jurisdictions have no such restrictions. Even if you can’t work directly with the listing agent, they can recommend an esteemed colleague who can help you with your search.

Working with a licensed Realtor® protects you in several ways. These professionals have the knowledge to educate you through the sales process, ensure the property sale is fully legal and official and connect you with their network of lending professionals to help you get the right mortgage.

Consider a Non-Traditional Purchase

What is a non-traditional home purchase? It relies on heavier seller involvement throughout the buying process instead of obtaining a traditional mortgage. There are two basic models you might consider.

Such structures often benefit buyers with credit woes or other hardships complicating the lending process. They can be harder to find but potential boons for those who otherwise could not purchase a home of their own. It also reduces the expenses involved with moving to another apartment while struggling to save a downpayment.

Seller Carryback

In a seller carryback, the title to the real property changes hands as in a traditional sale. However, the seller, not a third-party lender, acts as the lender. Such arrangements can make for a quick and easy sale if the seller owns the property free and clear.

It’s more common for the seller to have a mortgage. If their lender allows seller carrybacks, you could lock in their existing rate. However, the principal doesn’t transfer, meaning you’ll still pay the full purchase price. Such plans usually come with a balloon payment at the end of a specified term, like five years, during which the buyer is free to secure alternative financing.

Lease Purchase or Lease Option

In a lease purchase, the seller maintains ownership of the property, essentially acting as a landlord. The buyer originally takes possession as a tenant. There are two basic structures to such plans:

● Lease-Option: A lease option only compels the seller not to sell the property to anyone else during the lease term.

● Lease-Purchase: A lease purchase binds both parties to the contract under breach of contract remedies unless the buyer cannot obtain financing.

Both of these structures require a nonrefundable option fee that can be quite steep — you’re basically compensating the seller for not selling the property during the lease term. Additionally, buyers may pay an additional monthly fee typically applied to the downpayment in a lease-purchase contract. Buyers usually pay homeowners insurance and accept the other responsibilities of ownership throughout the lease term and purchase process.

Securing Your Dream Home This Year

Today’s market is tough for buyers. However, it’s still possible to secure your dream home this year.

Consider the three tips above for securing your dream home this year. You can find a way to thrive despite challenging market conditions.

About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.

Things to Look Out for When Buying Your First Home

There is nothing as exciting as buying your first home. This is a big milestone for many people in their life and that is why it is important to get all the details right. A good property investment will keep you happy and your finances stable for a very long time. However, navigating the housing market is not so easy. There are constant changes taking place, which makes it difficult to determine the realistic value of many properties. You have to choose a location, find an adequate mortgage plan and assess all the other relevant details. In order to get the most out of your first home, it is worth considering these important home-buying tips.

Determine your budget

When you commence your first home buyer’s journey it is worth investigating what you are getting yourself into from a financial standpoint. You have to learn what your finances can get you. That is why it is necessary to set up a budget. When determining the budget consider the total costs of buying a new home. Your down payment is going to be the first large sum of money that you will have to pay upfront. You will have to consider several factors in order to determine how much of a down payment you will have. The percentage will vary from lender to lender, and it can be quite a challenge to save up money for a hefty down payment, especially if the total cost is high. Use online down payment calculators to determine where to start. In addition, consider the closing costs as well. This is an additional cost on top of your down payment that you have to manage. However, you can negotiate about the closing costs, and in some scenarios ask the seller to pay for a portion of the costs such as home inspections. Lastly, add the move-in expenses to your budget as well for any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Learn what to look for

Once you have a rough estimate of your budget, you can narrow down your search and find available houses online. Luckily, modern technology allows you to browse homes completely remotely using 3D home tours. These virtual models let you explore every room in more detail compared to traditional photos. This is a good opportunity to take your time and see how the general room layout would fit into your plan. Ultimately, you will save a lot of time by simply browsing available homes online. Hopefully, now you will have a list of homes to visit in person. Once there you can assess all the other relevant details which photos do not capture, such as the plumbing pipelines and electrical installations. Make sure to include all your senses and assess if the floor is creaking, the walls are damp, or if there is any strange odor. Lastly, check the roof as well for any possible leaks.

The benefits of professional help

As a first-time home buyer, you will have particular benefits that you can leverage to get an even better offer and save a lot of money. However, it can be quite challenging to get to this information on your own. That is why you should hire professionals who will help you get an excellent first-home buyer’s grant with access to a wide range of properties on the market. You can significantly reduce your interest rates as well because you will be able to let professionals guide you through the entire process with expert advice.

Find the right type of home

In addition to managing your finances, you should also pay attention to the actual type of home that you are looking to buy. There are several different types to choose from and not all of them are going to be worth the investment considering your needs. A duplex is going to combine two homes with a single common wall or ceiling, depending on the number of floors in the building. This lets you have an extra private room. Townhomes unlike traditional single-family homes have multiple floors and are attached to other homes side-by-side. Lastly, a condominium will get you a separate living unit in a large building, but without your personal yard.

Choose a location

When buying a home look for the surrounding area and infrastructure as well. If you live with your children make sure that there are schools close by. The availability of parking and local stores are also going to be significant factors in your day-to-day life.

Buying your first home is a truly exhilarating experience. However, it requires careful attention nonetheless. Some of the most important things to consider are budgeting, 3D virtual tours, getting your benefits, and determining the type and the location of your home.

Here Is What You Need to Know Before Your Next Move

So, you’re fed up with your current place. Noisy neighbors, an unsafe neighborhood, lack of space, expensive rent, and constant repairs are numerous reasons you might want to move to a new home.

Don’t wait until you reach your breaking point. Once you consider moving, it’s important to go ahead and begin making a plan for when you make that jump. While going from one place to another can seem simple–resolving your lease, packing up, and transporting yourself to your new place–there are things you should know before your next move.

With more people than ever using the internet to find a new home, you could forget about critical things that will matter. Here are the things you should consider before committing to a new place.

The Area

You could find an amazing new apartment, townhome, or house with modern features, plenty of parking, and luxurious amenities at a reasonable price. Sounds perfect, right? Not if it’s located in a bad area.

The term “bad area” normally refers to crime, but there is much more to it. You will want to check out the crime rates of your new neighborhood. Strange activity can turn into genuine fear for residents, particularly women. Even if no one bothers you, you don’t want to live on the edge.

Part of your crime research should involve looking at the online national sex offender registry’s database. It’s important to note that the people on this registry don’t necessarily mean they intend to commit a future crime or that their first crime occurred to another person. It’s good to know if someone nearby is on it, though, as you can do further research to determine whether or not you feel comfortable living in their proximity.

Once you feel safe in a potential area, consider its amenities. Homes get rented in the center of bustling cities and calm, rural places, so it’s important to know whether or not you can access the things you want to be around. Your favorite restaurants and grocery stores, entertainment opportunities, green spaces, and medical care are all things to consider when choosing your new place. If you have a long commute to do the things you desire, you might want to look to other places.

Speaking of commutes, it’s important to know how far a prospective place is from your work. If you’re one of the many people now working from home, you might not have to think about the commute. However, if you work in a commercial building, there are a few ways to determine you’re commute time.

You can reach out to other employees who live in the same area to see how long it takes them to get to and from work. You could map it out online if you don’t know anyone in your potential neighborhood. If you are moving to a new job in a far away location, you can use online tools, like Google Maps, to find the fattest commute times. However, you should also look into any local traffic pages for that location to get a better idea of potential route obstacles, like road work, heavy traffic, and accident frequency.

Travel from a potential new home to your workplace during the times you normally would to determine how it will go.

Keeping all of these things in mind will help you determine which area is right for you.

The Rent

Another thing to consider is the rent you can afford. With prices soaring, renters must stay a little flexible with their ideal home.

You might need to opt for an apartment that’s a little further from your work or choose one with less amenities than what you had in mind. As of 2023, the average asking price for new tenants in the United States is nearly $2,000 a month. This is significantly higher than the prices some long-time renters pay. It’s important to speak to apartments about their asking price and fees instead of relying on anecdotal evidence from current tenants.

Before you decide on the range you’re willing to pay, ensure that you sit down and calculate all your expenses to determine how much you can afford now. Your income and expenses might be different from the last time you signed a lease. You don’t want to under- or overestimate the price you can pay.

Don’t give up on staying in a nice place. Sometimes, adaptation is all you need. If you want a one-bedroom, consider a studio apartment. They’re generally less expensive than other options and you can section off a bedroom with curtains or a murphy bed setup. If you live alone, consider whether you’re willing to live with roommates. Splitting the rent can help everyone live more comfortably than you would alone.

Rent will often cost more in metropolitan areas, but there are exceptions. Thoroughly research your new location to determine the best deals.

The Future

When planning a move, consider whether or not it’s the best decision for you. Sometimes, renters don’t have a choice but to move. Work changes and family needs can influence where you live and at what time. However, sometimes people change homes because they need a change. Don’t let spontaneity interfere with your future plans.

Say you’re looking for a new place but plan to leave the state in six months. Is it really worth losing your current lease, saving to pay for movers, getting references, committing to a new lease, and more? Depending on your current living situation, it might be. For others, sticking it out until the larger move can save time and money.

Knowing your short and long-term plans allows you to evaluate whether or not to move and what you’re willing to commit to during your time at the new place.

Preparing For Your Next Move

Choosing a new place to live can be exhilarating and scary. By reviewing these three things, you can make the best decision.

About The Author

10 Cheapest Places to Live in California

There’s no doubt about it – California is an expensive state to live in. From housing and transportation costs to the price of everyday necessities, it can be tough to make ends meet. However, some places in the Golden State are more affordable than others. Of course, what’s cheap to one person may not be affordable for another, so be sure to factor in your own needs and budget when choosing a place to call home. With that said, here are some of the most cost-effective cities and towns in the Golden State.

Stockton

Stockton can be a great option if you want to find cheap houses for sale in California. It is centrally located and has many apartments and houses available for rent at relatively low prices. Stockton also has many grocery stores and restaurants, making it a convenient place to live. The climate in Stockton is pleasant, with mild winters and warm summers. In addition, Stockton is home to several parks and recreational facilities. This makes Stockton an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live in California.

Bakersfield

The city has a relatively low cost of living, and its proximity to major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco makes it an affordable option for Californians looking to save on housing costs. Bakersfield is also home to several cheap apartments and homes, making it an excellent choice for renters and homeowners alike. In addition, the city’s public transportation system is affordable and efficient, making it easy to get around without a car.

Bakersfield has several community colleges and vocational schools, making it a great place to get an education. The city also has a thriving economy, with various industries providing good job opportunities. As a result, Bakersfield is a great place to live for those who want to experience all that California has to offer without spending a lot of money.

Clovis

The average home price is $226,000, and the median rent is $1,257. The cost of living is 9.4% lower than the California average, and the Clovis unemployment rate is 5.5%. Clovis is a family-friendly city with a variety of things to do. There are several parks, museums, art galleries, and a wide range of restaurants and shops. Additionally, it has several events throughout the year, including the Clovis Rodeo and the Clovis Music Festival. The city is a great place for those who want an affordable lifestyle without sacrificing amenities or entertainment options.

Fresno

Fresno is one of the cheapest places to live in California, with the cost of living nearly 20% below the state average. As a result, Fresno is an excellent place to live for families, as it offers a variety of affordable housing options, good schools, and plenty of things to do. Fresno is also great for nature lovers, near several parks and recreation areas. And, for those who want to live close to the action, Fresno is just a short drive from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Fontana

Fontana is a city in California known for being one of the cheapest places to live in the state. The cost of living in Fontana is significantly lower than the statewide average, and the city’s housing costs are some of the most affordable in the state. Fontana’s low cost of living is due to several factors, including its location in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, which has lower housing costs than coastal areas. Additionally, Fontana’s strong job market and growing economy provide residents with more affordable options for employment and housing. As a result, Fontana is an excellent choice for those looking for cheap houses for sale in California.

Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital city of California and is one of the most affordable places to live in the state. Sacramento is known for its diverse population, a plethora of things to do, and beautiful weather. As a result, the cost of living in Sacramento is lower than the statewide average, and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,500. In addition, Sacramento is home to many great schools, parks, and museums. The city also has a thriving food scene, with various restaurants.

Eureka

Eureka is a city in California known for its affordable cost of living. Eureka’s low cost of living is partly due to its location; it is far from major metropolitan areas, which helps keep housing and other costs down. In addition, Eureka’s crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe and affordable place to live.

Chico

Chico, California, is a beautiful college town located in the northern part of the state. It is home to California State University, Chico, and many other colleges and universities. The city has a population of approximately 93,000 people. The town also has a relatively low crime rate and is rated as one of the safest cities in California. Overall, Chico is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable place to live in California.

Hanford

Hanford is a great place to live if you’re looking for affordable housing. In addition, it is located in the central valley of California, so it enjoys a mild climate year-round. Hanford is also a short drive from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a convenient place to live. In addition, Hanford offers a variety of amenities and activities. There are several parks and museums in Hanford, and the city provides a variety of recreational activities.

The Bottom Line

Depending on your budget and preferences, there are several affordable places to live in California. Fontana, Sacramento, Eureka, Chico, and Hanford are all great choices if you’re looking for a cheap place to live. Each of these cities has unique features and benefits, so be sure to do your research before deciding. Whichever city you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful scenery that California has to offer.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

If you’re in the market for a new home for your family, there are plenty of things that you might be considering before you’re ready to say yes — or even to get too serious. Whether you are considering buying your very first home or you are simply moving from one to another, there are plenty of things that require a little bit of thought when you are moving from one house to another. From the budget to your priorities within a home, you can take a closer look at all of the serious parts of homeownership in order to get a better sense of what you want. Here are a few things that you should probably consider before you buy a new home.

Buying for the Future

Buying a house is a long-term decision and investment, which means that you should be thinking far into the future when you make your choices. Maybe you won’t be in your first house for the rest of your life, but it could very well be the gateway into the plan for the rest of your future. Whether you want to plan financially or you’re thinking about longevity for the property itself, buying for the future is a worthwhile investment.

Look Beyond Aesthetics

Even though it can be extremely tempting to fall in love with the home at face value, it’s also important to look a little bit further beneath the surface to make sure that whatever place you are looking at has good bones to build on and shape the future of your home. You don’t want to purchase a house only to realize that the structure isn’t what you want or that you have to change a lot of things in order to be satisfied. Make sure that the color on the walls and the countertops in the kitchen aren’t the only things reeling you in.

Location, Location, Location

Again, buying a home is an extremely permanent decision in terms of your living situation. And although you can change pretty much everything else about a home, the one thing that you cannot change is the location. Do you want to be a bit more secluded for your privacy, or would you rather be in a central neighborhood with easy access to everything? These are questions that you need to ask yourself when it comes to committing to a home. I think about the school district, what kinds of amenities and features are nearby and even how that will impact your home’s value. Location is one of the most important things when shopping around, and that fact is pretty much a constant in the industry.

Don’t Top Out Your Budget

The top of your budget is exactly what it sounds like — the top. Even if you have a high limit when it comes to your down payment and the kind of loan that you can take out, it isn’t always smart to go for the highest price point. Make sure that whatever you decide on, you’re still being reasonable with your expectations. This will likely cause a lot less stress down the line.

Consider Your Other Debts

Getting into the financial aspect a little bit more, one of the other important things that you should consider before you even start looking to buy a home is what other debts you have. Think about your student loans, credit card debt or any medical debt that you might have, and think about where a mortgage might fit into that situation.

Getting an Inspection

When it comes to making sure that our house has good bones, there’s no test that compares to the classic home inspection. It’s standard practice to have a home inspected before you commit to buying, so just make sure that if you have a house that you’ve fallen in love with, you pay attention diligently to the details of the home inspection and make an informed choice based on the information you have. Regardless of how much you love a place, you don’t want it falling apart the year after you buy.

Are You Ready to Buy?

One of the primary questions that you should ask yourself when you are thinking about buying a home is whether you are actually ready to buy. Purchasing property of any kind is a big decision, and it’s important to be honest with yourself about exactly what you want. If you aren’t sure about the details, you don’t know exactly what you want or even if you think you might be better off renting for a little while longer, it’s perfectly okay to figure out what you want while you continue renting and saving.

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About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find herin a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.

Buying a Home Right Now or Waiting for 2022?

Buying a house is one of the most important steps in your life, and one of those things that will show the world who you are as a person and what you stand for. This is a process that takes a lot of time and energy, as well as a ton of money, regardless of the size of your home, its location, and age. Even the tiniest homes can cost a fortune, and even properties located in the middle of nowhere can end up being surprisingly expensive. That’s why finding the right time to buy a home is crucial – but is that time now, or should you wait until 2022?

The prices

The prices in the real estate world are wilder than ever. The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought lots of problems our way, including the rise of the prices in the building industry, which is why new properties are more expensive than ever. Consequently, the older houses are getting costlier and costlier, and there’s very little you can do about it. Essentially, there are two things you can do – buy a home right now and hope you’re not too late, or wait until 2022 and hope that the prices will drop. Most experts are predicting that this won’t happen, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find an affordable house in a few months, so think long and hard before you make that decision.

The rent

People who are thinking about buying a home in the future are usually the same people who are renting their current homes at the moment. But, just because they’re doing that doesn’t mean they’re living there for free – most of them are spending a fortune on their rent and bills, wasting more money than you can imagine. That’s why you need to think about the rent you’re paying and compare that to the amount of money you’d pay for your mortgage loan. In other words, if you’d be spending the same, why wouldn’t you invest in your own home instead of paying someone else to live in theirs? If this is the case, buying a property as soon as possible is the best way to go, so don’t hesitate any longer and start looking for a home right now!

The insurance

Whenever you’re buying your home and no matter how much money you’re spending, making sure everything is protected and safe is vital. Spending money on a comprehensive insurance policy might not be your most favorite thing in the world, but this is something that will keep your home, your possessions, and your family safe, and that’s something you can’t put a price on. However, finding the right policy and avoiding those dangerous junk insurance frauds is the only way to do this right, so spend some time looking into everything and you’ll end up making the right choice. And if you manage to find the right insurance policy, don’t wait, but buy a home ASAP!

The knowledge

The only reason why you should deliberately wait until 2022 to buy a home is to gather more info about this entire process. Learning what to do, how to act, and what to pay attention to is an amazing way to buy your dream home and make the most of your money. So, if you’re in a position to wait several months, use that time to learn more about buying a home and talk to your real estate agent.

Buying a home is never easy, so get informed, get ready, and try to save a few extra dollars while you’re waiting – just in case you need them!

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Home Buying 101: Things to Ask Yourself When Looking for the Perfect Family Home

Buying a home is a big, if not the biggest, investment many of us will make. It’s also a process that requires careful consideration and a lot of thinking in advance. After all, it’s a place that needs to accommodate your family members and help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Because of that, it’s important to consider some of the most crucial factors before making such a big decision. Below, four things to ask yourself when looking for the perfect family home.

Is the location right for you?

The location of your new house is the one thing you won’t be able to change about it. Because of that, you need to carefully consider whether the location is right for you and your new family. Of course, if you’re moving to a new city, your research process will be a lot different from someone who’s moving just a few doors down the street. Still, it’s important that you do your homework and consider your family’s current and future needs. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a new location.

· the distance from your new home to work, schools, and city center

· proximity of parks, woodland, and walking trails (especially if you have a family dog)

· proximity of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and pharmacies

· parking spots

· accessibility and appearance of a neighborhood

· lot location itself (e.g. near a busy road, a commercial property, or a body of water)

Are you looking for a new build or used home?

Depending on their preferences and budget, families may choose to buy a pre-owned home or build a new one. Of course, both options have their pros and cons. New homes come with home warranties and eliminate the “what if” factor that usually comes with pre-owned homes. Building developers may even throw in ‘bonuses’ as an incentive for you to put your name on the dotted line.

On the other hand, pre-owned homes are often in need of repair and may come with cosmetically covered up conditions. And since the house has been used for a while, you may need some help from eco friendly cleaning services to make sure all the stains, and hidden dirt are eliminated and you’re left with a safe, clean environment. That said, used homes are often move-in ready since they come with the appliances and sometimes even furniture. This is perfect if you’re strapped for time and need to relocate as soon as possible.

Does the size of the house fit your family’s needs?

This is certainly one of the biggest considerations homebuyers have when looking for a new family home. Surely, smaller homes may seem more appealing for a couple who’s just had their first child. But if you’re planning on expanding your family or want to be able to accommodate an aging family member, you’ll need to take that into consideration and get a house that’s big enough to accommodate everyone. In contrast, if you have older children, they may be moving out soon, and you won’t need as much space.

Factor in both your current and future needs, and pay special attention to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Ideally, each bedroom will be able to fit a double bed, and there’ll be one bathroom per every two bedrooms. Things like these will allow for flexibility while also making everyday living more convenient.

Will your new home fit your lifestyle?

The way you use your living space will also play a vital role when deciding on your potential new home. Not everyone has the same needs, and someone who travels a lot may not prioritize the same things as someone who works from home or someone who entertains a lot. Think about how you and your family will be utilizing the space and how practical it is for everyday living. Here are some of the questions that can help you find your new dream home based on your lifestyle.

· How big of a backyard/outdoor space do you need?

· Are there dedicated spaces for adults and kids?

· Is there enough storage for your family’s belongings?

· What type of floor plan does your family need?

· What do you value the most about the way you and your family live?

Make sure you answer these questions before you begin house-hunting. That way, you’ll work-out your non-negotiables from the get-go and navigate the complex homebuying process with much more ease.

Wrapping up

Different families have different needs and priorities, both of which play a vital role in the homebuying process. After all, the home you choose now will be central to your family life. Therefore, take your time to consider your needs and ask yourself the right questions. That’s the only way to make sure you’re making the right decision.

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About The Author

Taylor Parker is an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Taylor writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

How to Purchase the Home You Always Wanted

Finding a home that fits you is an emotional journey – it’s both exciting and exhausting. It’s also one of the biggest investments many of us will make in their life. This is why you want to make sure that you find “the one” and make the best decision possible.

The question is: How do you actually get the house of your dreams? And, more importantly: How do you know if you are making the right choice? To assist you with your search and help you narrow down your options, here are five things you’ll need to cross off from your checklist and get the house of your dreams.

Consider your personal style and needs

First things first, not every future homeowner enters the home-buying process wanting the same things from their new home. Some prefer the look of a penthouse, some envision a condo, while others like the appeal of suburban properties. Some may embrace the tiny house movement while others see themselves living in a villa.

And style isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when searching for your dream abode. You’ll also need to consider your individual needs and choose accordingly. A condo may sound like a great low-maintenance option compared to a single-family home. However, it will not offer the amount of green space, freedom, and privacy that come with the latter. Sometimes, getting the house that ticks all the right boxes will involve hiring a general contractor and having them help you determine the best style, design, and budget so you can realize your project.

Befriend your local realtors

A real estate agent can be of major help in your quest for the house of your dreams. Their experience and ability make them invaluable resources that will make your search easier, smoother, and far less stressful.

According to the best realtors in Scottsdale AZ, befriending your local real estate professionals also means you’ll have access to properties before they officially hit the market. This means that you can beat the crowds and snag the ideal house before other buyers know it exists. They’ll also keep your needs and wants in mind so you’ll steer clear of homes that aren’t appropriate for you, not to mention the amount of time and money they’ll save you in the process.

Do your research

A big part of the home-buying process is doing some extensive research. You want to learn everything there is to know about the location, neighborhood, walkability score, and nearby amenities. Check out the schools, hospitals, restaurants, malls, and other public facilities in the area, and check neighborhood safety as well.

The last thing you want is to find a home that fits you perfectly and realize that it’s not safe or that everything you need is out of reach. Do your homework, and remember to visit the neighborhood on weekdays, weekends, and at different times of the day.

Get your finances in order

Sometimes, you’ll run into homes that will look amazing but will be well outside your budgetary limits. Looking at such homes is a waste of time and it can tempt you into getting something you can’t afford. You’re better off aiming for homes that you can pay off comfortably.

To do that, you’ll need to get your finances in order. Examine your credit score and see if there’s something you can do to improve your credit for a home loan. Seeing where you stand will help you set financial limits and minimize stress, making your home-buying experience a smooth one.

Keep an open mind

Every homebuyer starts their home-buying journey thinking they’ll find a home that ticks all the boxes right away. Of course, there may be instances where everything simply falls into its place (in which case – lucky you!). But most of the time, houses will have certain features that homebuyers won’t necessarily want or like.

Now, getting a perfect home doesn’t always mean buying one. Sometimes, it means making small, necessary changes and updates until your new home fits you perfectly. Therefore, keep your mind open when house-hunting. Look past the flaws, especially when it comes to cosmetic blemishes that can easily be fixed. Most importantly, make sure it’s a home that will grow with you. With little time, effort, and TLC, you can take an imperfect house that needs a bit of work and turn it into a gorgeous, warm, and inviting home you’ll love coming back to.

Wrapping up

Getting the house you’ve always wanted is a dream come true for many, but it’s not exactly an easy feat. However, if you follow guidelines and learn what to look for, you’ll make this process so much smoother and easier.

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Buying A House? Look For These 10 Things

Buying a home can be an exciting time in a person’s life. It is a big step and it can often be accompanied by a fairly long process. This consists of saving for a down payment, finding the right agent, and of course, visiting homes.

When on these visits, it can be a little overwhelming in terms of what you should be focusing on. However, there are a couple of things you need to be sure to keep an eye out for. These can be crucial when evaluating the quality of a home and how well it fits your needs.

Without any further ado, let’s go over ten things you should look for when buying a house.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you want to save money and help reduce your carbon footprint, you should be on the lookout for energy efficient appliances. They will work the same as traditional models, only use much less energy and water. While choosing the right electricity provider can help lower your utility bills, using efficient appliances has the potential to save you hundreds or even thousands annually. For comfort consider buying a dehumidifier

A Decent-Sized Garage

Another thing to look for is a home with a garage. Not only will it protect your car from damage and potential burglars, but also give you a ton of places to store things like bikes, garden equipment, your recycling and anything you may not want in the house. While any garage is decent, the larger the garage, the most space you have to store things. Garages are especially crucial in cold and snowy environments.

Enough Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Another thing to look at is the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The amount needs to not only work for you today, but also your future plans for a family. In general, you can never have too many bedrooms. In addition to the number of these rooms, you also want to look at their condition and size. For example, the bedroom should be big enough for a bed and dresser, and have a decent closet. When it comes to bathrooms, the water pressure should be good, and the quality of the vanity, tub, and toilet should also be examined. The last thing you want are surprises after you move in.

An Adequate Amount of Storage

You also want to make sure the home has adequate space for storage. A lack of space can lead to a ton of clutter, and can make the home a little too cramped. There should be decent-sized closets for jackets, clothing and linens, and plenty of places to store things you don’t use all the time such as camping gear, luggage, workout equipment and more. Unfortunately, space often comes at a premium, so you may need to get creative with your storage in some cases.

A Nice Yard

While the inside of the home is important, there will certainly be some times you want to enjoy the outdoors. Because of this, it is a good idea to look at the backyard of a home in a lot of detail. What constitutes a “nice” yard can vary from person to person. Some will prefer a low-maintenance space to relax, while others will love a large garden to plant their favorite flowers and veggies. While yards can be changed in terms of design and landscaping, it can take a lot of work.

The Curb Appeal

Speaking of the outdoors, the curb appeal of a home is also important. You want a home that looks good from the street, and has been well taken care of. Not only that, but you want to ensure the curb appeal is right for what you want. Some people may like a large front yard with a lot of greenery, while others may prefer a low-maintenance front yard with rocks. The color of the home and the materials used on the outside (siding, brick, wood etc…) should also be thought about.

A Safe Neighborhood

The area surrounding the home is also something to consider. In general, you want to live in an area that is safe, especially if you have children. This can give you a lot of peace of mind knowing you don’t have to constantly worry. In addition to safety, you should also look for a neighborhood with easy access to amenities, parks nearby, good schools and great places to go for walks.

The Heating and Cooling

The systems used for heating and cooling the home should also be looked at and evaluated. When it comes to heating and cooling, many modern homes will have a furnace and central air. However, others may use radiators for heat and an AC unit on the walls. There is no best option here, it just comes down to which one you prefer and can afford. Of course, you should always have a professional evaluate the quality of these systems before moving in, as you might not be able to identify any potential issues.

A Solid Foundation

The foundation of the home isn’t something many buyers will think about, but it should be. A home with a strong and sturdy foundation is what you want. If the foundation is cracking, or doors in the home are sticking, it can be a sign it isn’t in great shape. A home inspector should always go over the foundation before your purchase is final, but it can’t hurt to look at the state of the foundation yourself, as well.

A Kitchen That Fits Your Needs

The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It is not only a place to cook and eat food, but also to gather as a family and entertain. As a result, you want a home that has a kitchen that fits your unique tastes and preferences. Sure, kitchens can be renovated, but they are among the most expensive rooms to fix, so it’s easier to choose a home with a kitchen you can handle without much need for change.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you in your house hunting journey. While these aren’t the only 10 things you should think about, they are among the most important to consider and look for.

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