You have a new job. You have a new baby. Maybe you just don’t like your current abode. Whatever the reason, you’re going house hunting this year, and you’re in need of tips on your next home purchase.
So what are the things you need to consider? We’ve got your must-have advice on buying a home since we’ve been there and done that ourselves.
Where do you want to move?
Location, location, loca – you get the point, but you seriously need to consider where you want to move and why. Are you looking to be close to shops and restaurants? How about that commute (once the pandemic is over)? If you have kids, how good are the school systems?
These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself, but you should also take into consideration:
- Flooding. Is the house in the flood zone, and will you need flood insurance? Just because you’re not near a river or a lake doesn’t mean your area won’t flood.
- Crime rate. Do you need a security system, or does your home already have one?
- Proximity to an emergency room. Accidents happen. You never want to be too far from help.
- Your pet peeves and absolute needs. If you need coffee every morning, does the town have a coffee shop? Is it in the flight path of Newark Liberty International Airport and you cannot deal with the noise?
Before finding homes in your new neighborhood, visit at different times. Make sure you like it in the early morning and the evening. Don’t forget to drive around extensively. You don’t want to move in and find a nuclear power plant in your backyard (a quasi-true story).
What can you afford?
You’ll hear the word “budget” a lot when it comes to buying a home. Consider if you can afford a new home or a fixer-upper, but you should know your level of DIY skills, especially first-time home buyers.
Are you a master homeowner able to paint, plaster, and prime in a single bound? Or are you completely “pros only”? Either way, this choice will factor into what type of home you can and should buy.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a good start to knowing your budget. Once you know your price range, decide what type of home you want and go searching. Take into account any and every renovation your new-to-you home may need. That has to be factored into your overall budget.
Don’t forget about your monthly payments and budget, either. One of the best tips before buying a home is to understand your property taxes, mortgage payments, credit card bills, etc. Make sure your home’s purchase price is right for you.
What do you need and what do you want in a new home?
You have two cars, and the town doesn’t allow you to park on the street from November to April. You’ll need enough space in the driveway, but do you need that extra bedroom? How about that large, eat-in kitchen with countertops that never end and enough space for a cooktop and a 30-inch wall oven?
Decide what you can live with and without, and be ready to compromise. Though you want your new home to be perfect, few home buyers find everything they want on their list and manage to pay for it, too.
Fixer-upper vs. Pristine house
This may be your dream home, but it can quickly turn into a money pit. Make sure to check the physical condition of your home – the foundation, structure, roofing, windows, porches or decks. Some features you can change – paint, style, that terrible rug in the home office – but expensive renovations or upgrades may take a specific home out of your price point.
One on the most important tips before buying a home is to get a home inspection before signing on the dotted line. That will tell you the state of the home’s systems, appliances, and other features as well as their approximate age.
Consider all opportunities
Do you like that smaller house but need that extra bedroom it’s lacking? Perhaps the wiggle room in your budget will allow you to expand in the future. Does that larger home have rental opportunities that can help you afford it?
Before you lose the home that stole your heart, consider all your options. You might be able to make it work, but also note – you might not. So don’t get too attached. (Of course, we say that like it hasn’t happened to us.)
Be prepared for all expenses
One of the best tips before buying a home is “expect the unexpected expenses.” Closing costs, homeowners insurance, title insurance, even simply packing and moving– these are all expected but you never know when something might pop up. One way to prevent an issue is to buy a home that’s lower than top price point. That’ll give you some room in your budget for “just in case.”
Shop around a bit for loan
Talk to your real estate agent or mortgage broker to learn how best to navigate the process and perhaps even save some money. Taking private mortgage insurance (or PMI) may help you secure that dream home if you don’t have that coveted 20 percent down payment. You may be able to get a better deal with FHA loans (or government-backed loans) versus conventional loans, so one of the best tips before buying a home is to not be afraid to shop around a bit. And don’t be afraid to ask about all your options.
Once you find and purchase your home, check out these moving tips and tricks from a professional organizer!
Take care of your new home
Congratulations! You have a home, but now you’ll have to take care of it. vipHomeLink can help! Our home management app helps you know what to do and when to do it with personalized reminders for home maintenance. The app also sends you tailored recommendations for home improvement, and our new weather notifications help to ready your home for whatever Mother Nature can throw at it.
Start your next home adventure with vipHomeLink. Subscribe today with a monthly or annual membership.
Advertiser Disclosure:
Any offers that appear on the vipHomeLink site, in our content, vipTIPs or other recommendations are for the convenience and benefit of our users. vipHomeLink may receive compensation from any purchases that are made by our users. This compensation is paid by the seller and will not impact the prices that are offered. This compensation arrangement may impact which offers appear and which sellers are featured on our site. If you elect to use or purchase services from third parties, you are subject to the third parties’ review of your information and to their terms and conditions and privacy policy. vipHomeLink does not endorse, warrant or guarantee the products or services available through the vipHomeLink offers (or any other third-party products or services advertised on or linked from our site), whether or not sponsored.
