5 Things To Do Before Shopping For Your First Home

Buying a first home can be stressful as well as challenging. However, conducting proper research, knowing your priorities and finding a good real estate agent can help make the home buying process a little less difficult and a lot more rewarding.

Research Neighbourhoods

Researching neighbourhoods can help you determine the part of town where you'd like to buy a home. When researching neighborhoods, consider the following:

• Proximity to businesses and services. Look for homes in neighbourhoods close to relevant businesses, such as Cochrane Heights.
• Know the commute. Knowing how long it takes you to drive from each neighbourhood to your workplace can help you decide whether or not a neighbourhood is right for you.
• Crime and safety. Researching crime statistics for each possible location will help you cross off neighbourhoods that are risky or unsafe.

Go to Open Houses

Going to open houses is a good way to see the type of houses that are available in neighbourhoods where you'd like to live. If you've already established your budget and know about how much you can afford to spend, this is also a good way to find out what the houses are like in your price range.

When you attend open houses, look carefully at the features and amenities in each home. This will help you decide what you really want to buy.

Get Pre-Approved

Nothing is more disappointing than falling in love with a home that's too expensive. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help ensure that you'll be looking at houses you can afford. To get pre-approved, contact several lenders before you go shopping for homes. Shopping around for the right lender can help you get the best interest rate and the best mortgage for your needs.

Make a List of Must-Haves

Knowing what you most desire in a property can help you get started with the home buying process. Everyone's must-haves are different, so to make your list, you'll need to give serious thought to your future plans as well as your current priorities. Things to consider when writing your list of must-haves include:

• Current hobbies. Do you love swimming? Maybe you're looking for a home with a swimming pool, or a home close to the beach. Do you spend all day cooking? You'll probably be looking for a large kitchen with ample counter space. Do you enjoy entertaining? You'll need outdoor space as well as indoor space for large groups.
• Family growth. If you have no children but plan to in the future, buying a home with an extra bedroom or two makes it possible to stay in your house even after your family has grown.
• Pets. Pets need extra space, just like people. A home with an inadequate yard or inadequate indoor space for your dog or cat can make life difficult. Consider your pets as you look for homes.

Find a Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent is a great asset during a home search. Although it's possible to buy a home with out a real estate agent, it can be a lot more difficult. As you search for a real estate agent, interview potential candidates by asking them about their previous experiences with helping new home buyers. Describe your priorities and must-haves, and ask each real estate agent what advice they would give to ensure that your home buying experience goes smoothly. This will help you determine who is the right agent for your needs.