16 Sep 8 Easy Ways to Take the Headache Out Of House Hunting

House hunting can be a challenging task – you need to find a home within your budgets, with the features you want, in a location that works for the needs of your entire family. We’ve put together this list of eight easy ways to get rid of the headache and start enjoying a new home in Alliston.

1) Start Using Apps

Yes, apps – those fun little programs for smartphones and tablets. Several creative groups have produced applications that can help you better understand what you really want from a house. As always, however, practice good downloading techniques and investigate any application before downloading to be sure it’s legitimate.

2) Make A List

And check it twice – write down everything you truly care about in a house, including details like location, number of guest rooms, number of bathrooms, and the presence (or lack) of a yard. However, you should be realistic when you’re making this list. The perfect home tends to be custom-built, because individual tastes can vary so widely. Don’t forget that you can modify the home after purchase – you don’t need an exact match, merely a home that’s close enough.

3) Get Preapproved

Don’t even start looking at houses until you know what type of house you can afford. A professional assessment from a licensed mortgage broker can help you figure out the best price range.

4) Consider Going Lower

You don’t need to spend the maximum amount of money your budget allows – imagine how much you could improve the interior if you spent $50,000 less on the house and put that money towards home improvement instead!

5) Get Comfortable

You’re probably going to look at several homes in one day while you’re house hunting, so dress for comfort instead of style. Wear good shoes, check the weather, and don’t be afraid to take a break if you need some time to wind down. If you’re touring a neighborhood in Alliston and examining multiple homes, you can also use the trip to examine the rest of the area and search for trails, parks, and other features that may interest you.

6) Use Your Checklist

The list you made with tip 2? Bring that along with you. Or, better yet, bring several copies, and check off the details of each house as you examine it. This will help you be sure that the home you settle on has as many of the features you want as possible.

7) Be Prepared to Make an Offer

If you find a home that truly matches what you want, then you should be ready to make an offer. Getting pre-approved (you did follow Tip #3, didn’t you?) can vastly simplify this process and ensure you can afford the offer you make.

8) Relax

Really! Buying a home is a life-altering event that will affect you literally every day for years to come, so don’t push yourself into a deal that won’t work for you. Take a few deep breaths, relax, and don’t rush too much.