4 Tips to Help You in Your House-Hunt
We know that shopping for a new home can be incredibly challenging. The market hasn’t followed any expected trends in the last few years, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find good opportunities, you just need to know what to look for. In 2016 we created a list of four little-known house-shopping tips. We thought now is a great time to revisit those ideas and see what’s changed. Here is an updated look at house shopping tips to you prepare for this exciting time.
Consider the Big Picture
In our original blog, we talked about how some homebuyers fall in love with a gorgeous view, especially here in the mountains of Southern Appalachia. Homebuyers may forgive many other important factors when the view is so spectacular. It’s important to know that views can change with any additional development. We suggest that if your primary motivation for buying a home is the view, to consider that developers can change the shape of it at any time.
Go beyond just the view and consider the bigger picture (no pun intended.)
Talk to the Neighbors
Take the opportunity to talk to your potential neighbors! Don’t feel uncomfortable; you’ll speak to them often if you decide you move in. Chat with the folks on either side of your house or across the street.
Ask them questions, like:
- How long have you lived here?
- What do you think of the neighborhood?
- Is there much turnover?
- Are there any renters on the block?
- Who has kids?
- What changes have happened recently?
Ask them their opinion of the house; their answer can give you a lot to think about!
Protect Your Emotions
We know that buying a home is an emotional experience, and the more people in your family the more emotions there will be. You should consider practical things about the home and whether it will suit your family’s needs. This will inevitably bring up some feelings about certain aspects.
Before you start the house hunt, sit down with your family and create a list of priorities. When you have a difference of opinion, talk about it. You can consult your list during the search to ensure the home matches your original discussion.
Take Your Time
Drive by the house in the morning to see how it works with your regular commute. Do it again in the evening to see how rush hour affects your drive or how active the neighborhood is after work.
Also, try to drive through the neighborhood on the weekends or other odd times. Check out the other streets in your prospective neighborhood to get a feel for what it’s like to live there.
The more you know, the better decision you can make about buying a home.
Call, click, or come in!
GoPrime Mortgage in Asheville, NC, is here to help our neighbors find their road home. Talk with Zachery Adam and our team of independent lenders to start the process of getting preapproved. Learn more at GoPrimeNC.com and contact us today.
Click here to talk to a first-time home buyer mortgage lender. Learn about an FHA loan in NC, loans for vacation homes, or a second home mortgage loan.
