Three Questions to Answer Before House Hunting

House hunting can be an exciting time. But the excitement can fade pretty quickly when you just can’t seem to find your perfect match. You can avoid the frustrations by asking yourself three simple questions before you start your search.

1. HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD TO PAY?

Every home buying decision you make in life is based on this simple question. To start house hunting without answering it is ill-advised to say the least. You’ll spend valuable time and energy only to be frustrated time and time again.
Sitting down and figuring out exactly how much you’re willing to pay for your new home is the single most useful thing you can do before beginning the search.
Don’t know where to begin? We recommend speaking with a lending professional.
You’re definitely not the first person to ever buy or build a house, so don’t feel bad reaching out to those who know a little more about it than you do.

2. WHERE DO I WANT TO LIVE?

This is another way people get in the way of their own searches. Although it’s good to keep an open mind, there needs to be some sort of direction when looking for homes. So before you look for a home, create a list of places where you’d like to live. What are your priorities? Proximity to work? If you have kids, maybe you prefer a certain school district? Keep in mind the number you came up with for what you can afford.
Then narrow that list down to one or two areas.
It might be difficult, but defining only a few areas of focus will give your hunt direction and purpose, save time, and reduce stress.

3. WHAT ARE MY MUST HAVES?

Now that you know how much your new home can cost, and where it will be, it’s time to figure out what you want your new home to have. How many bedrooms? Big yard? Small yard? Traditional floor plan or open-concept? Formal living spaces? A dedicated home office?
Sit down with your family and make a wish list, then go back and decide which are truly must haves.
New homes have a million different options. Just decide which ones you can’t live without.

If you’re on the hunt for a new home, and want to take the hassle out of building or buying, contact us and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.