When your family is growing, and you want to move out of your starter home, it can be overwhelming. Trying to sell your current house and search for your future dream home at the same time is not feasible for many people, so consider contacting an experienced real estate agent to help. Below is some advice about how to manage the process.

What to Do When House Hunting

1. Settle on a Location

How well do you know the area where you want to buy? If you are staying near your local area, you likely know the layout. However, if you are looking to move somewhere new, you will need help. Choose a real estate agent who knows the area well and can help you make a smart long-term decision.

Contact people currently living in your chosen neighborhood and ask them questions about the community. You should also visit the area, not only online, and see what it is like during the day. If you have children, reach out to the local schools or parents with children of the same age who can inform you about how the education ranks.

2. Budget for Extra Expenses

Don’t forget to factor in the costs of owning your new home. Online mortgage calculators can help you determine the approximate monthly payment, but they neglect to include homeowners insurance or property taxes. Your real estate agent can help you get an idea of what you will pay monthly and will include all determining factors.

3. Make a List

When dreaming of your future home, write down the details of what you want. Prioritize them into “necessary” and “preferred” categories. Maybe you are looking for a home with a panoramic view or a pool for the kids. When you walk through prospective homes, you can see if it fits all the necessary qualifications. Without writing down your hopes, you may feel unsure about a house but not know how to determine what is missing.

4. Inspect the Future Home

After you decide on a home that matches your qualifications, have a professional inspector look for any hidden problems. You do not want to purchase it and later find out about foundational concerns. Choose two different licensed inspectors to look through your home and then move forward with your purchase.

The Bekah Cochran Team: Keller Williams Greater Downtown Realty will help you find your future home in Chattanooga, TN. They’ll introduce you to a selection of quality properties and make house hunting fun, not exhausting. To access their buyer resources, visit them online. Call (423) 508-5986 to inquire about featured listings, and follow them on Twitter. Use #TakeMeThereSignalMountain to stay in touch with this energetic agency.