If your family is growing, you may be thinking of getting out of the renting game and settling down in a new house. With so many options on the market, however, it can be overwhelming. To speed up the buying process, contact an experienced real estate agent to help. Below is some advice on how to find your new home. 

How to Effectively House Hunt

1. Decide on a Location

How well do you know the area you want to live in? If you are looking to move somewhere new, chose a real estate agent who knows the area well and can help you make a smart long-term decision.

After choosing a location, contact people currently living in the neighborhood and ask them about the community. You should also visit the area in person, not just online, and see what it is like. 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 school district ranks.

2. Budget for Extra Expenses

Don’t forget to factor in the added costs of owning your new home. Online mortgage calculators can help you determine the approximate monthly payment, but they can 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 your must-have features. Prioritize them into “necessary” and “preferred” categories. Maybe you are looking for a home with a panoramic view or one with a big yard and 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 be able to put your finger on what is missing.

4. Schedule an Inspection

After you decide on a home, have a professional inspector look for any hidden problems. Common issues found during home inspections include foundation flaws, faulty wiring, mold, and water damage. Choose two different licensed inspectors to evaluate the structure of your home and give you the okay before moving forward with your purchase.

For help finding and purchasing your future home, contact The Helping Hands Real Estate Team. For six years, this professional real estate agent has successfully matched home buyers with their dream homes in the Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Ahwatukee, and Tempe areas. Get started online today, or call (480) 385-9107 to speak to a representative.