Buying a house is a big deal. You want to make a wise decision, but you often have to act fast in order to get the house you want. At ProTech Home & Property Inspections, Inc., Phil, Joyce, and the rest of our team have helped a number of home buyers in their journey to find a piece of Atlanta real estate that they love. Along the way, we’ve observed a few things that might help maximize your home-buying experience.
1. Know your needs.
When you start looking at homes, it’s easy to be “wowed” by custom showers, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. While these features may be on your wish list, it’s best to start with what you need—the non-negotiables. Then, keep this list in front of you while you look at properties so you can stay focused.
2. Determine your home budget.
Before you start making offers, make sure you know how much home you can afford, in addition to how big of a loan for which you might qualify. What you can afford and what the bank will give you aren’t always the same amount, so before you overextend yourself financially, crunch the numbers.
3. Get pre-approved.
If you plan on taking out a home loan, it’s best to start this process before you make an offer on a house. First, you need to know whether you’re shopping at the right price point. No use shopping for what you can’t afford, right? Secondly, being pre-approved is often attractive to sellers because it means you can pay for the price you’re offering. Sometimes, that tips the scales in your direction.
4. Do your research.
Work with your realtor to determine which part of Atlanta is the best fit for you. Some people want an up-and-coming neighborhood, while others look for solid school systems or access to public transit. Prioritize what you want, and based on your realtor’s recommendations, get to know the area. Take a Sunday drive to get a feel for what living there might look like.
5. Take your time.
You will have to make certain real-estate decisions quickly. However, never feel pressured to move forward if you feel hesitant. Let confidence reign, and don’t get swept up in any real-estate madness.
6. Never skip the home inspection.
The home inspection is your added layer of security when buying a home. It’s your opportunity to gather as much information as you can about the condition of the house before actually moving in. Plus, if issues come up, only then can you begin to renegotiate with the sellers or even decide to walk away. Many people are tempted to skip the inspection to speed up the process or try to make their purchase offer more tempting to sellers. However, it’s just not worth it.
For a quality home inspector in Atlanta, Athens, Lawrenceville, or the surrounding area, you can rely on our team at ProTech Home & Property Inspections. To schedule your home inspection or any of our other speciality inspections, contact us at (770) 277-5655.
photo credit: Alachua County via flickr license
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