While buying a home can be exciting, it can also quickly become overwhelming, especially in the current state of the housing market. The way to combat this stressful time is by being prepared and organized. Knowing what to expect before buying a home will help you stay on track with your budget and have a positive outlook on a rather daunting process. This article will help you get organized and feel prepared before buying a new home.
Prepare
Your Finances
Inevitably
one of the most important factors to buying a home is money. A great way to
start is by researching how much house can I afford? This is based on your income,
current debt, and funds available for a downpayment. It’s important to
understand your debt to income ratio going into the homebuying process. Knowing
how much of a mortgage you can afford will help you narrow your search. Once
you have this figured out, you can filter your search to areas that are within
your budget. To keep your finances in order, create a folder with copies of all
of your necessary financial
documents.
Remember, the amount you are approved for is not what you have to spend. You
may be able to find homes that fit your criteria and come in under budget!
Make a
List of Wants Vs. Needs
Once
you have narrowed down what you can afford and multiple areas to search, make a
list of what you are looking for in a home. To make it efficient, create an
excel document with two separate tabs. One for things you must have in your new
home, and another for things you would like to have but are not necessary.
Print this chart and keep it in a home-buying folder with all of your
information and notes related to purchasing your home. A couple of topics to
consider include having a fenced-in yard, how many bedrooms and bathrooms are
on your wishlist, and what kitchen floor plan or size would be best for your
family. On top of that, considering local school districts and what else you want
in a neighborhood is important.
Create
a Moving Timeline
Your
moving timeline will depend on if this is your first home or if you are selling
your current home. If you are currently renting, you will need to plan your
move based on when your lease ends. Remember to give your landlord the proper
notice that you will be moving out and the expected date.
If you
are waiting to sell your home before buying a new one this timing can be a
little trickier. Make sure to work with your realtor on the specifics of when
you want to be in your new home. Your realtor can then try and plan out your
closing date accordingly so that there is as little overlap as possible between
selling your current home and moving into your new one. Another
important to-do list item is reserving a moving company if you will need
assistance with packing or transporting your belongings.
Search
for Furniture and Appliances
The
fun part of moving, especially if this is your first home, is buying new
furniture and decorations to make your new space feel warm and welcoming. You
will also need to know what appliances come with your new home so you can plan
what you need to additionally purchase. If you are trying to stick to a budget
check out second-hand stores, antique shops, or discount stores for a variety
of affordable options. Also, make a list of what you need right when you move
in versus what you could get after settling in. If you will be buying new
appliances you might want to consider a home warranty. Investing in a home warranty can
give you peace of mind that your new appliances are covered if something goes
wrong, and save you money down the road by avoiding costly repairs. Since your
new home is truly yours you can decorate it however you want and make any cosmetic
updates including changing the paint colors. Check out this article for some decorating inspiration.
Settle
Into Your New Place
Buying
a home and moving are big
accomplishments. After such a stressful and lengthy process, you are apt to
feel burnt out. Being organized helps the process run smoothly and allows you
to enjoy your new place once you are able to move in. One of the main things to
remember is to take your time unpacking and really get to know your new space.
You will have to make sure electricity is turned on and make an appointment for
cable to be set up. Utilize this checklist to be sure not to forget anything
you should be doing right after moving in, and remember to enjoy your new home!
