How to Look for a Home You Are Going to Live In
First of all I want you to know that there are going to be lots of compromises in your first home. Your first home is most likely not going to be your dream home, it is a home that
-fits your criteria now
-fits your budget
-gets your foot into the real estate market
Think about climbing the real estate ladder
Do these things before you start searching for a home
Step 1
Start off by making a list, a nice long juicy list of everything you want in a home and neighborhood.
Step 2
Circle 4 things that are absolute must haves
Now you have a list of must haves vs nice to haves
Step 3
If you are searching with a partner do this exercise separately and then come together to do it again.
The property search
Location location location
-start wide on your location search, lots of neighborhoods that fit criteria and budget
-feel each neighborhood, drive around, walk around.
-consult with your realtor on which location she recommends checking out
Once you narrow down location(s) then comes the actual property viewings.
-Of course you will have seen properties finalizing the location and should have some thoughts of what layouts and features you like in a house.
-Also some neighborhoods might have different types of architecture and design than others.
Tips for viewing property
Use all of your senses
-sight. Look at everything
-smell.
-touch
-sound. Busy street, buses, near schools…
-feel. This is more internal feeling.
Don't get hung up on things that can be changed or things that can be easily fixed.
See lots of properties, that way you can narrow it down
Don't drag the process out. Should be a couple weeks to a couple months. Momentum is the name of the game.
Listen to your intuition and the feelings you get
Spend time in the home. Sit down, take your time
Visualize yourself living there day to day
Can you see yourself owning it?
Do you believe in it? Meaning do you believe that this is a good house, that it is desirable, that people will want to live here, that it will grow in value or be valuable?
How to talk to the Real Estate agent at the open house
If you have a Realtor you are working with, say it right away. Let them know that you are serious.
Ask questions to the Realtor but not too much. Keep it house specific.
Don't ask “So how's the market? Or “What do you think this home will sell for?” or “Why are the sellers moving?”
Do ask “How long have the sellers lived here” or “Did they ever rent the house out”
Those questions are a waste of time for this agent. You reserve those questions for your Realtor who is working for you. That is why your realtor gets paid, to be your educator and guide.
Once you find a house you love
-Visit at least twice
-Spend a longer time there on your second visit
-Review inspections, disclosures and comparable sales with your agent after the second visit.
-Check out the neighborhood by walking around, going to dinner or coffee, driving around. Visiting at different times of the day and night