Hi! Welcome to #FabulousFriday! This is a new weekly blog post where I will be sharing tips and tricks for home buyers, home sellers, experienced pros and new real estate agents. My goal is to provide insightful tips to help you create a balanced life--filled with joy, peace and happiness. Today, we will concentrate on the home buying experience and how you can navigate that process. Here are a few empowering techniques and successful strategies to help you find the home of your dreams. Okay--let's dive in together:
Often, when you hear that a friend or family member has decided to find a new home-you are filled with excitement for them. You think to yourself--wow-what a great opportunity to take the next step in their life goals! However, when the roles are reversed--and it's your turn--you quickly realize what an emotional experience the home buying process can be. Your heart and mind are full of the memories you will make in this new abode, while simultaneously evaluating how much it will cost, what the move will be like, whether anything will be available in your price range, and all the horror stories you have heard from friends and family who have recently experienced buying or selling a home. Suddenly...the whole endeavor feels overwhelming and exhausting. House hunting can be a big undertaking. But, when you remain positive, you can keep calm and find your dream home.
First, try opening your mind to consider many options, layouts and locations. When you are looking for a new home, it is expected that you will have certain criteria on which you are unwilling to compromise. Maybe your heart is set on a dream kitchen, full of state of the art appliances. Or, you might be looking for a fixer-upper where you can design your home and build sweat equity. Maybe you only plan to settle for a fully fenced yard to protect your four footed family member. Start by getting honest with yourself about your non-negotiables and avoid wasting precious time and energy during your search. On the opposite side of the ledger--here are some ideas to consider before ruling anything out--would you be willing to look at homes in many different neighborhoods and cities? Remember, real estate is all about location, location, location! Could you do with less interior square footage if there is more outdoor living space? With the rise of remote work and kids going back to school, revisiting some items that were initially on the "nice to have" list could open up your search to a larger selection of homes and price points.
Next, buying a home is a process that involves both your heart and your head. It can be heart breaking to fall in love with a home that you get out bid on, or is outside your budget comfort zone. Be sure to evaluate the right monthly payment before looking for homes. Once you are able to establish a comfortable price point, you can feel free to go shop for the home that fits that objective. Avoid shopping for homes that are beyond your monthly financial goals. Some thoughtful planning can avoid disappointment during the home shopping process. Since buying a home is a complicated process-there are naturally some questions that you may not know to ask. That's where it pays to assemble a trusted team of experts who can help guide you through the process. We can help you form the best team and empower you to achieve your goals.
Finally, when you are looking for a house, know that your dream home is the light at the end of the tunnel. Although you may not be able to picture the exact home you will arrive at, just imagine the peace of mind that you will feel once you unlock the front door to your new home for the very first time. Our team at Shaffer is here to help you every step of the way. Simply sign up on our site and begin shopping for your dream home today. See you next Friday for more tips and tricks! Warmly, Susan