Before you embark on the journey of buying a home, know what you’re getting yourself into. The process of searching for the perfect property can introduce a lot of variables, from your own personal needs to your budget limitations.
Know your must-haves
Lots of factors go into determining your ideal neighborhood. Since you’ll be settling down with your new home for the near future at least, these are things to take seriously when selecting an area. Do your research – find out which neighborhoods have higher crime rates, which are closest to desirable schools (if there are children in the picture) and which are experiencing the most value appreciation.
Know your budget
Real estate prices can vary greatly by state, city or even neighborhood. No matter what South Dakota city you live in, your real estate agent will be able to assist you in finding the right fit for your desired price. Do your research online to figure out what neighborhoods in your area offer the best price along with your most desired qualities in terms of safety and growth potential.
Know your viewing plan
Once your agent begins showing you houses, make sure that you’re asking the right questions about the property in question before falling in love with it. The length of time the property has been on the market, for example, sometimes indicates how much wiggle room you have in price negotiations. Your agent may be able to tell you other details, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Know your deal-breakers
Remember that buying a house is a big decision – don’t settle for something that doesn’t fit your needs. Write a list of “deal-breakers” before going to viewings. Maybe you want a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms. Or maybe living on a busy intersection is a big red flag for you. Know what you will and won’t put up with, and it’ll help you weed out properties that just won’t work.
Keep these elements in mind before you start the house search. If you know what you want before you start paging through listings, you’ll lessen the risk of falling for a house you can’t afford.