Buying a new home is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but for those not familiar with the home search process, it can also seem overwhelming. That’s why first-time homebuyers should prepare themselves before even starting to browse homes for sale. Follow these tips to set yourself up for a successful house-hunting experience.

4 Tips to Prepare for a Home Search

1. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval

If you don’t have a realistic budget in mind, a real estate expert won’t know which homes to show you. To understand what price range you can afford, get pre-approved for a mortgage at your bank. They’ll factor in the various aspects of your finances to determine the amount they feel comfortable lending you, and that will help narrow down your search.

2. Look at Neighborhoods

If you don’t already have a district in mind for where you want to move, do some research. The neighborhood will play a large role in your new life after you relocate as well as selling prices. Look into school districts, commute times, and the most recent crime statistics to help you decide which areas look the most suitable for your lifestyle.

3. Create a Must-Have List

This list shouldn’t include every feature that you’d want in a home but rather those you can’t live without. Requirements like the number of beds and baths or space for pets to roam will narrow down real estate listings and expedite your search.

4. Create an Emergency Fund

If you don’t already have one, start saving an emergency fund. Separate from the budget you’ve set aside for the home purchase, it’s needed for unforeseen expenditures, such as remodeling, repairing the electrical system, or covering unknown HVAC issues. With this reserve, you’ll avoid accumulating excessive debt after purchasing a new home.

 

If you’re ready to start your home search, contact the experts at Oahu Island Properties in Honolulu, HI. This team of residential real estate experts helps local residents find perfect new homes for their needs and budgets among an expansive list of available properties. Call (808) 673-8681 to schedule a consultation, or start your home search online.