Are you looking to buy a home for you and your family? If so, you probably have specific needs and goals when house hunting. The neighborhood lifestyle, education quality, and easy access to nearby amenities will undeniably be important. Every family is unique, and your home must match your lifestyle as closely as feasible. However, there is much more to consider when finding the right home for you and your kin. This post outlines 5 key tips to help you get started on your home search. Read on to learn more.
Find the Best Location
Every family is unique, and will prefer living in an area appropriate for their lifestyle and interests. Urban areas will offer easy access to restaurants, entertainment spots, museums, and other key amenities but are often noisier.
Suburban areas will offer plenty of dining, shopping, and grocery stores to choose from, but the commute times to the city are higher. Moreover, rural housing offers the best privacy and exposure to nature, but finding key amenities might be challenging.
Draft a Budget
Anybody planning to buy a home should have a definitive budget before they begin checking out homes for sale in Chapel Hill and potential neighborhoods. The most important factor during these calculations should be the sale price of your desired property and the expected downpayment.
However, it is important to note that there will be additional costs once you close in on a home. These expenses include home insurance, property taxes, utility bills, homeowners’ association fees, and charges for unforeseen repairs and renovations. Ensure that your budget can accommodate these costs, without straining.
Engage the Expertise of a Real Estate Agent
The best way to navigate the real estate market, especially for first-time buyers, is to have a realtor by your side. A local realtor can serve as your support system, and respond to any questions you might have about particulars of your purchase contract.
Your realtor can also connect you with a vast network of professionals in your area. It is easier to locate good lenders, home appraisers, contractors, and attorneys if you have an agent as your guide.
Determine the Size and Floor Plan that is Appropriate for You
The size of your family will undoubtedly determine your desired home’s size and floor plan. However, there are other things to remember if you want the perfect home for your and your family’s lifestyle.
If you have young kids, safety is paramount. You can opt for a one-story property. If you have big kids, a huge backyard where they can engage in outdoor activities is important. Besides, you will want to determine how much privacy you want.
Note the Current Condition of the Property
Most homebuyers with a family work under tight schedules that will not allow them time to make major repairs or renovations to the property. At least, not initially! For this reason, most families opt to purchase a move-in-ready home.
Ensure you engage the help of your realtor and home inspector to watch out for any signs of damage or defects. While it is rare for sellers to list their homes with damages, it does happen. To avoid closing on a home, only for you to incur huge expenses on repair and renovation, do a thorough inspection.
Find Your Dream Chapel Hill Home Today!
If Chapel Hill sounds like the perfect place to call home, reach out to Dana Wicker Cantrell for all your real estate needs. Dana can help you navigate the stress of finding a home that meets your unique criteria. Take the first step toward realizing your dream of homeownership in Chapel Hill real estate. Set up a consultation with Dana Wicker Cantrell right away.
