In an ideal world, there’d be plenty of homes on the market that not only check off everything on your wishlist of things you want in a house, but also within your budget. Unfortunately — depending on the area you’re looking in and current market conditions — it’s common to have seen everything on the market (and none suffice), or there simply aren’t any houses available on the market at all. But fear not! You can use that downtime to your advantage. Here are six things you can do that’ll not only help pass the time but will also make you a more ready and informed buyer when the perfect house hits the market:
- Spend Time in the Areas You’re Interested In: Even if you’re familiar with the area you’re looking for houses in, it’s worth making sure the town or city is a good fit. But if you haven’t lived in the area, this is even more important. Spend time walking around the area, pop into some of the local businesses, drive around the different neighborhoods, find a hidden park or trail you weren’t aware of, and make sure you know where the schools are, especially if you have children. Chat with people who live in the area. Doing this before you find a house will help you avoid last-minute jitters about whether it’s the perfect place to call home and proceed with confidence!
- Check out Some Areas You Haven’t Considered Living In: If you’re not finding a lot of options that you like in the areas you’ve been focusing on or in your price range, perhaps an entirely different area might have what you’re looking for! Ask your agent for recommendations on some areas that might not be on your radar but have homes in your price range. Go check them out with an open mind. Opening your options could be the perfect way to find more houses to choose from and an area you’ll be happy to call home!
- Drive by Houses That Have Recently Sold: Many buyers focus on what houses are listed for, rather than what they ended up selling for. While your agent will likely help you hone in on how much to offer based on recent sales data once you find a house you like, doing some of that research ahead of time will help you truly understand the value of homes in the area and how much you should be willing to pay for the one you want. Ask your agent for a list of recent sales in the area and drive by as many of them as possible. This will give you so much perspective and confidence when it comes time to make offers on houses that appeal to you.
- Get a List of People Your Agent Trusts and Recommends: Building a network of trusted professionals is essential. Ask your agent for recommendations on mortgage brokers, home inspectors, contractors, and other service providers. Having these contacts ready will save you time and stress when you need their expertise during the home-buying process.
- Educate Yourself About the Home Buying Process: Use this downtime to learn more about the home buying process. Understand the steps involved, from pre-approval to closing. Familiarize yourself with common real estate terms, negotiation strategies, and legal aspects. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the complexities of buying a home.
- Financial Preparation: Assess your financial situation. Review your credit score, gather the necessary documents for mortgage pre-approval, and create a budget. Being financially prepared ensures a smoother home-buying experience when the right house becomes available.
Remember, patience and preparation are key during your home search. When the perfect house does appear on the market, you’ll be ready to make a confident and informed decision.
📞 Reach out today if you have questions, need advice, or want to explore the housing market. Your dream home awaits, and I’m here to make it a reality! 🏠. Your home buying or selling adventure is unique, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. Let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality! 🏡✨🌞🌿
Let me know how I can help!
Suzanne
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