Tips For Maximizing Your Time During House Hunting is a much asked for article. In an ideal home-buying scenario, attending open houses and choosing a nice place is easy. However, to a seller, finding a home is not a joke. This is why it’s important to make good use of the time you spend touring houses. Most open houses happen on the weekend. For this reason, you’ll need to prep so you don’t waste your precious weekend time. Use these tips to make your house hunting as easy as possible.
1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Save your time by getting pre-approved by a bank for a mortgage. This will make you understand the price range that is within your budget. Similarly, it will show as proof of your seriousness to buy a house. For this reason, you will have an easier time when you are ready to buy. This is among the Tips For Maximizing Your Time During House Hunting.
2. Clarify which amenities are most Important to You
Different buyers have different must-haves when apartment shopping. This is a list of items you can’t make compromises on. Also, make a list of items you would like to have but are not very particular about. This will go a long way in saving you time. The reason for this is you will be able to say a quick no or yes when hunting for houses.
Some factors buyers in the Kenyan market look for include ease of transport, nearby schools and shops and security.
3. Find a Knowledgeable real estate agent
Once you have identified the location you want, it is important to find a real estate agent that is well conversant with the area. This will help you save a lot of time. A savvy real estate agent will give you all the listings in the area. Since you already have your ‘must-haves’, he will further help you narrow down to your preferred choices. For this reason, you will save yourself a lot of time. The knowledge and need for a real estate agent cannot be underestimated in house-hunting
4. Plan your route Appropriately
Once you have decided on the houses you would like to look at, set up a good route to go look at them. This is very essential because it will help you get an idea of the distances to the nearest amenities. To add to that, it will help you get the feel of the neighborhood and to separate them from others.
If you do not have much time, it is a good idea to start on the houses you like the most. This ensures nobody gets your dream house but you.
5. Take notes (and photos)
Taking notes is always a good idea. When you add photos, now that’s grand. Deciding on the house you like better can be difficult when all you are relying on is your memory. Photos can also capture what your eyes may have missed.
You can go an extra mile and give each house a nickname. One time I was helping a friend with finding a house and there was this particular one that did not allow any natural light in. Azin, you had to switch on the lights even during the day. We called it ‘giza’.
6. Revisit your best choices
Once you have zeroed in on your top choices, have a second look. This will further help you make a better more informed decision. You can also visit the amenities nearest to the area. They might just help in making a good
