By: Goodale Miller Team - Century 21 Miller Real Estate LTD Brokerage:
Real Estate Advice: 10 Top House-Hunting
Mistakes to Avoid
House-hunting is not for the weak of
heart. It is more than just calling some real estate agents, seeing a few
houses, and moving in right after you found one you like. Things can get very
challenging when looking for a new home more so if you’re targeting buying a
home in a hot neighborhood. You need to be smart about your search and come up
with a game plan for house-hunting success!
Below is our compilation of the top
10 house-hunting mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Listening
to Advisers Who Don’t Live With You
Input from some people is great, but
not if they won’t be living with you anyway. Opinion from other people might
confuse you and won’t really help you because they would often be speaking
about their needs, not yours.
2. Going
in with No Mortgage Pre-Approval
The last thing you want to convey
when house-hunting is for real estate agents and home sellers to think that
you’re not serious about your search. This can mean losing out to another buyer
who can make a solid offer. More so, mortgage pre-approval lets you know
exactly what you can afford.
3. Not
Seizing the Moment
Go see a new listing if you’re
interested. Waiting just a few hours can mean someone might beat you to it in a
tight market.
4. Not
Checking the Neighborhood
How would you feel waking up to the neighbor’s
loud drum practice on your first morning in your new home? How about having a
hard time getting out in the morning because there is a school nearby and the
street is filled with family vehicles and school buses? Always check the small
details.
5. Getting
a Crush on Sparkly New Features
Newly renovated and newly
constructed homes have a tendency to make someone want to own them right off
the bat, but you have to think that a home is more than new features! Note that
most low-quality finishes and materials look great when new but are worthless
in the long run.
6. Not
Being Sure What You Want
You have to know what features you
want before shopping for a home or you’ll risk not finding any or being
overwhelmed with possible choices. This would save you time too by narrowing
your search.
7. Being
Mesmerized By Décor
Don’t forget to assess whether
you’re just loving the staged decorations or the home itself. Unless the home
sellers are going to leave everything with the house, you’ll end up with a
shell that you’re not sure you like anyway.
8. Not
Settling for Anything Less Than Absolute Perfection
Your 100% dream home may not exist,
so why not consider one that ticks most of your boxes although not all of it?
It’s easy to fall for thinking that something better will be available soon.
9. Not
Taking Your Time in Touring a House
You need to have a real feel of the
house and explore it in detail before you make the decision of making an offer
for it. Check nooks and crannies, open cabinets, flush the toilets, inspect the
kitchen and so on.
10. Forgetting
to Have An Agent
House-hunting in a hot market
without an agent is a waste of time, energy, hope, and effort. Up your chances
of sealing a deal by having an agent who can get you first dibs on those new
listings. Less negotiation error too! Call Marc Moran (956) 784-9874 for you
Real Estate needs.
