view random homes, and will get you that much closer to your dream of homeownership. It’s time to contact your real estate agent and let them know you’re ready to start looking for your new home. Be sure to fill them in on all the details, such as your lists of needs and wants as well as your price range. Your agent will get to work on your behalf, shortlisting the properties that meet your criteria, so you can start your home-search process from there. Now it’s time to have fun checking out different houses until you find “the one.” (Remember, while house shopping can be thrilling for many buyers, it can also become stressful and exhausting. Remind yourself that no two buyers’ house-hunting experiences are exactly the same, and everyone’s stories about finding “the one” will be different.) Here are some tips for to home searching and finding the right house:
PLAN FOR ENOUGH TIME
Schedule enough time for yourself to go through each property slowly, carefully, and thoroughly. You want to do a proper inspection rather than just rushing through. If you already know, based on a few things the listing agent has mentioned, or something that you’ve noticed yourself, that this is definitely not your home, then feel free to politely speed up the process or even politely decline. Otherwise, take your time, and plan for it. You could potentially be living there for many years, so a quick stroll will not suffice! You need time to formulate an opinion and make an informed decision. Be thorough — but only if you haven’t dismissed the property, and if you’re seriously considering its potential. Go through every room. Check out closets and crawl spaces. Open up drawers, cabinets, and cupboards. Look behind and underneath furniture;
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