5 Tips for First Time House Hunters

House hunting in Placer County is stressful as it is. And if you’re moving across the U.S. from a small Milwaukee apartment, things can be even harder. Plus, if you’re buying a home for the first time, then this process can feel like it’s 10 times harder.

It’s one of the most important life decisions, so you want to make sure you don’t make any mistakes. If you want a flawless home buying process that won’t let you get caught by surprise in the middle of your purchase, keep reading my 5 expert tips for home buyers.

1. Get pre-approved

You’re buying a home. This is the real deal and requires a mortgage, and getting a mortgage requires approval. Get this process out of the way before you head out in search of the perfect home. With the finances already managed, you can solely focus on finding a good place that fits you and your family. You’ll also portray the image of a serious buyer which, can help to speed up your process with the seller.

2. Shortlist your neighborhoods

You will have an ideal neighborhood in mind, perhaps a quiet neighborhood in Rocklin, CA. You can research the best neighborhoods online and check them out in person to decide if you like them or not. You’ll want to make sure you learn all of the details about each area, and real estate agents can help you navigate through all of your questions about local amenities, schools, and public parks. Realtors know where the nearby stores, entertainment centers and restaurants are located, and can be great resources for learning about the security and safety of specific neighborhoods.

3. Stick to a budget

You’ll either be making use of your savings or might be depending on a loan completely. Going out of the budget is the last thing you can afford. Therefore, come up with your final budget before you start hunting for your next home. Once you go out in the market, this will make it easier for you to shortlist options.

4. Make a checklist before you house hunt

Visiting multiple homes can get overwhelming. What do you absolutely need? A quiet neighborhood, a yard for the dogs, a large kitchen, or a home within walking distance from the school? By tailoring a checklist of a home that will make you happy, you can be more confident in your house hunting endeavors. It’s important to set up this checklist so you can easily decide whether a home will be a good fit for you or your family.

5. Choose an experienced real estate professional

Your first-time experience can be drastically improved with the help of a knowledgeable realtor, especially one at Stark Group Real Estate. Once you’re ready to start looking at local neighborhood, look for a reputable real estate professional who will put your needs first. You can take recommendations from your friends, family, or locals from the area. An experienced realtor will be able to get you the information you need and make your house hunting process a breeze!

Interested in moving to the Roseville, CA area? Contact John Stark, Placer County real estate expert at (916) 705-8627 for more information.