A successful house hunt starts with good planning. When travelling to a new city specifically to find a home or when you are short on time, you have to be prepared to visit quite a few properties. We have put together our top tips for surviving house hunting.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage.
- Make sure you know exactly what you can afford.
Do your research.
- Before visiting the properties on your list, check out the neighbourhood online. If there are aspects of the area that you are excited or concerned about, this is your chance to check them out in person.
Take notes.
- You will receive a marketing sheet for each property that you visit. Make notes directly on the sheet as you are touring the house or on your way to the next property.
Wear comfortable clothes.
- During a house hunting marathon you will be inside, outside, walking, and sitting. Wear something that is comfortable but also weather appropriate. You do not want poor planning to prevent you from checking out a backyard during a cold snap.
Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to get on and off.
- You will be going through a number of different properties and you want to spend more time viewing the home than you do getting out of your shoes. Nice, comfy slip on shoes are the way to go.
Eat.
- House hunting is quite a bit of work. Make sure you stay nourished and hydrated during your marathon. You will be able to enjoy the experience a bit more and will be less likely to make a bad decision due to plummeting blood sugar levels.
Take breaks.
- A house hunt doesn’t have to be non-stop. Take breaks to go for a quick walk or drive through neighbourhoods that you are interested in. Instead of eating on the go, consider stopping and having lunch. This will give you a chance to regroup and chat with your Realtor about the properties you have seen.
Talk to your Realtor.
- As you are viewing properties, let your Realtor know what you like and what you do not like. Sometimes wish lists and must-haves change during the house hunting process. Your Realtor wants that information so they can help you find your prefect property.
Have fun.
- Buying a house is a big deal and there are plenty of things about it that can be stressful. With a good attitude and the right Realtor, it can also be a lot of fun!
Ask questions.
Your Realtor is one of your best house hunting resources. Ask questions as you are viewing each property. Realtors can help you to see hidden features or concerns in a property. Many Realtors can give you a rough estimate of what it would cost to do certain renovations or improvements to a home.