Finding your dream home seems like an exciting adventure. It most often is but can get tiring sometimes. This is more so when you have been checking online but you can’t seem to find exactly what you want. In some cases, what you want may be above your budget. In addition, what could be within your budget may be lacking in your must-haves. Here are the easiest ways to find your dream home.
Get Pre-Approved For a Mortgage Before You Start
Do not even start looking at houses online without a mortgage pre approval. A mortgage pre approval will make it easier for you to make an offer as a serious buyer. To add to that, it will enable you to narrow down your search criteria. The result is, you will be able to focus more. A mortgage pre approval letter details your instant housing budget. For this reason, you will only focus on what is within your budget.
Determine Exactly What You Must Have
Let us call this your must-have list. It varies from one home buyer to the next. If you can’t compromise on an open plan kitchen, for example, don’t even go see the house. Chances of you liking a house is significantly reduced when your must-haves are missing. To add to that, you may purchase it and end up with the biggest regret of your life.
Resolve on Your Neighborhood Must-Haves
If a good public system and great social amenities are in your must-haves, don’t waste your time going to listings that do not have these. Also, if you prefer a quiet serene environment, make sure you zero in on the neighborhoods. This move will sure save you a great deal amount of time. In like manner, ensure you visit the neighborhoods at different times of the day. By so doing, you will make a better and a more informed decision.
Pick a Particular House Style For Your Lifestyle
Once you’ve picked a neighborhood, it’s time to make the next big choice. Do you prefer a bungalow, a maisonette, a penthouse or an apartment? After making this decision, use your time to visit your preferences. Do not waste time on offers not suitable you. This will save you a lot of time.
Document Your Visits
Just like any serious undertaking, finding your dream house is just as important. Make sure you take notes of each house. List down what you love most about the house, what you can live with and what you can’t stand at all. Using pictures as part of your documentation will even upgrade your decision making process.
Only Remember the Top Three Picks of your Dream Home
Visiting and documenting your visits definitely narrows your picks to your three favorites. Only focus on these. Your dream house most likely lives within them. What you need to do is to weigh the pros and cons of each. Once the scores are out, select the best one. That is your dream home.