Purchasing your first home comes with many trials and tribulations. In the first year after closing there are many valuable lessons to be learned. Here are some things to think about as you begin the process of going from renting to buying.
Think About The Future: When buying your first home it is easy to get caught up. At the time you can’t imagine that you will ever need to sell this home you are about to start building your future in. This however can’t be further than the truth. The truth is the first home you purchase will most likely not be the last one you purchase. No matter where you are at or what stage you are at it is important that you take into consideration how difficult it will be to eventually sell when you are ready for the next step.
Checklist: When you are purchasing your first home, second or third, you will find it is quiet an emotional process. It is quite possible to overlook things when your emotions start to take over. Before starting your adventure into buying your first home create a checklist of must-haves, nice-to-haves and other essentials. Print the list and take a copy with you to each and every house you visit. Also bring with you a camera. If you fall in love with a home but with your checklist and photos show that the house doesn’t have any of the must-haves then at least it will make you rethink the purchase?
Budget For Housing Expenses: When considering what you can don’t just consider the principal, interest, taxes and insurance. You must take into account the amount you will spend on utilities, home improvement upgrades and costs to commute. Can you afford the house, the extra expenses while living the life style you have become accustomed to?
Look Into The Neighborhood: Check out the neighborhood. Is it a neighborhood that is full of children and growing families? Do you enjoy the chitter-chatter of kids or will it drive you crazy? Is the neighborhood full of older adults whose families have grown? Did you plan on having kids? Will the lifestyle you are considering for your future fit within the existing neighborhood?
Look Beyond The Staging: We all think we are smart enough that we will not fall for the tricks that are used in staging however the psychology of staging works. Homes look better when they are occupied. When you are truly looking to say yes to a home it is important to remove the staging setup from your mind and consider your belongings in the layout of the home. Just because lights are sitting on the nightstands doesn’t mean that there are plugs there to go with it. Staging can play games with your emotions.
Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.