6 Useful Tips for Every House Hunter

Buying a new home is a very exciting life change, but the whole experience can be even more enjoyable and rewarding when you’re prepared! Working with a real estate professional with area expertise will not only open up a world of helpful resources, but you can also rely on your REALTOR® to provide expert advice and information throughout your search to keep you on the right track. We’ve compiled some useful tips from our agents over the years to share, so you as the house hunter can feel more confident during your next home purchase.

1. Location, location, location!

How far is the commute? How good are the schools, hospitals and local services? Keep these questions in mind as you consider which areas to buy your home. 

2. Know what you want

Take the time to write down the home features you must have, the ones you’d like to have and others you absolutely do not want. Outlining specific needs and wants of your dream home will help you and your agent narrow down your search to only those homes with the best match for your requirements.

3. Get the power of pre-approval

A pre-qualification letter from a mortgage lender tells you how much you’re qualified to borrow and allows you to shop for homes with confidence. One of the most important aspects of buying a home is knowing your budget, and understanding what loan programs are best for you will give you a better understanding of where you are financially.

4. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

House-hunting can be exhausting, especially when touring a dozen homes in one day. Dressing for comfort can make looking at the last home as pleasant as the first. Opt for casual and comfortable walking shoes that will support your feet throughout the tours.

5. Be ready to make an offer

You should walk into each home prepared to make an offer. If you fall in love with the home on the spot, be ready to make a move. 

6. Breathe and get some perspective

Buying a home is a life-changing event. But it’s not worth driving yourself, or your family, crazy. Trust us. We’ve done this before. If you’re viewing several homes, write down comments about the different homes you tour to keep track of the pros and cons of each. Don’t forget to consider the neighborhoods, the commute time to shopping and work, and the school district. Keeping a list of comments for each house will give you a chance to take a break and come back later to revisit your options with a new and refreshed mindset. Of course, feel free to browse houses in the KC area by visiting our website, Kansas City Homes.