Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone for anyone. But it also can be nerve-wracking and a little intimidating. At Miller’s, we care about your Total Home Care, so we want to make sure that when you purchase your first home, you have all the information to buy a home that will keep you and your family safe and comfortable for years to come.
Here are a few tips to make the process a little easier for anyone who is just getting started!
- Familiarize yourself with the process
Knowing the basic steps in the process of buying a home can help you enter the process with less anxiety and help you avoid mistakes upfront. Reading articles, talking to your real estate agent, and youtube videos can all be helpful places to start!
- Prioritize your home wish list
Do you ever watch those HGTV shows where a couple lists out all the things they want in a home at the beginning of the show? They include things like a great neighborhood, big backyard, lots of bedrooms, a large kitchen with new appliances, etc. and of course, they want it all on a budget. At the beginning of the show, their expectations are high, but by the end of the show, they usually have had to make a few concessions. Making a list of “needs vs. wants” for your new home can help you make those decisions when they come up in a way that you will not regret in the future. You may also want to weigh whether you want to put sweat equity into your home. For some, DIYing cosmetic issues is a fun way to add their own touch to the home. For others, they want a move-in ready home.
- Have Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations about your wants vs needs is a great place to start, but it’s also important to have realistic expectations about the process of buying a home. It often takes longer than buyers expect, and it may take putting in many offers before your offer is accepted. Once your offer has been accepted, there is still a chance the offer may fall through due to inspections or financing. Knowing these variables up front can keep you from getting your hopes up on the first house you put an offer on.
- Assemble a team that works for YOU
Make sure that your real estate agent, mortgage broker, and other team members are all working for YOU. It’s usually a good idea to use a person who has a good reputation in your area as being trustworthy and professional, even if their rates are a touch higher than others. They are worth it! They should be professional, knowledgeable, and helpful in answering your questions. If working with them feels like pulling teeth, consider switching to another person. Having a team that is a good fit for you will make the whole process go more smoothly.
- Educate yourself on the neighborhood
Take time to research your neighborhood, talk to the neighbors, and look into the crime stats for that area. Knowing where your grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and highway access is in relation to your home are also important!
With these tips, you should be well on your way to making the best decision for you and your family! And, of course, the most important thing to remember is that Miller’s is always here for you if you find your new home needs a little work! We’ve got you covered for all your plumbing, septic, electrical and HVAC needs!
Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists online or give us a call to keep your new home running and looking the way it did when you first moved in! (804) 758-4314