What to Look for When You Are House Hunting

The time has come. You’re looking for a new home–so exciting! If you’re not sure how to get started or what you need to look for, you’re in the right place. Our house hunting tips can help you relax, have fun and focus on finding a house you truly love.

Before you start hunting

There are a couple things you should do before you start the house hunting process, including:

1. Save money. From the down payment to new furniture to closing costs… the amount of money you need when buying a home can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to save as much as possible before you dive into house hunting.
2. Create a budget. Your budget is going to help narrow down your search. That’s why it’s crucial to create a budget before you begin looking. The last thing you want to happen is to pick the house of your dreams, only to find that you cannot afford it.
3. Check your credit score. This is a crucial step if you’re planning on applying for a mortgage loan. If your score is too low, you may not qualify.
4. Decide on a timeline. Do you need to be completely moved into your new place by a certain day? Do you want to avoid moving in the hot summer? Work backwards from a deadline and create a timeline… even if it’s tentative or flexible.

What to look for when you’re house hunting

Now that you’ve prepped for the journey ahead, you’re ready to begin the search. Follow our tips to simplify the process so you can enjoy the adventure of finding your new home.

Location, location, location!

If you don’t like the carpet in the bedroom, you can change it. If you don’t like the paint in the bathroom, you can change it. If you don’t like the neighborhood… you’re out of luck. When you’re looking for your future home, make sure the location is top of mind. It may help to come up with a list of location deal breakers for you to use during your journey. Do school districts matter to you, and where is the one that fits your needs? Are you opposed to living on a hill? Is a great view a priority? Do you want more or less grass to mow? Write these things down and keep them in mind while you hunt.

The size

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Will you host enough to need a guest room and guest bath? What amount of square footage are you looking for? Will you need a home office? How about an in-law suite or extra driveway space? Ask yourself these questions to narrow down your search immensely.

Your priorities

If you love cooking, a big kitchen may be a priority in your new home. If you thrive in natural light, look for a house with a lot of windows. Unfortunately, you may not find a house that’s 100% perfect, but that’s why it’s important to know what your deal breakers are.

Storage

If you have a lot of belongings that will require storage space, you may have to look for a newer home. Older homes often have small closets and lack storage space. Sure, you can add storage space, but you may have to sacrifice a bedroom or guest room in order to do so.

Once you’ve found your dream home and you’re ready to move, get in touch with Wheaton! We can make your moving experience smooth and efficient so you can focus on what truly matters: making your new home feel like home. Find your local agent to get started!