Buying a property is always a huge undertaking, especially with the rising prices of everything today. The good news is that, though there are high prices, there are also more opportunities to get your dream home than there were before. With this guide, you’ll know a few key tips and tricks that you can use to hopefully secure your dream home this year.
Be Ready to Jump on Opportunities as They Arise
Being patient doesn’t usually work in the property market. You usually will need to sell your previous home before you can afford a new one, which gives you a very short window of time to find your dream property.
The good news is that there is something you can do. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to find and buy a property in the short period of time after you sell and before you move, get a bridge loan. Bridge loans let you keep your eye open for your dream property and can immediately make an offer once you secure said loan. This loan is short term and should be paid off once you sell your old home.
Look at the bones, not the product.
You will never find the perfect property because said property would not have been built or designed for you specifically. That being said, you can absolutely make a great canvas into a work of art. When you are looking at properties, always look at the bones. Consider the space and what you can do with it. If you can find a property that needs a bit of work, then you are on the right track. For the best results, always make room in your budget for renovations.
Don’t Be Afraid of Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods
Location is more important than the property, which is why massive homes in the middle of nowhere can be cheaper than a shoebox apartment in the downtown area of an internationally renowned city. While you will want to love the area, don’t be afraid of up and coming areas . Chances are that many new families are moving into these neighborhoods just as you are considering, which means the area will quickly improve as time goes on.
Have a List of Musts and Wants
It can be hard to stay focused when you are house hunting, which is why you should create a list of priorities before you get started. Wants can be added later, whereas musts cannot. If you want a property that has a basement but the apartment you fall in love with looks great, then there is no amount of renovating that will give you want you need.
Don’t Rush to Fix Everything
When you buy a property that needs some updates, remind yourself not to try get everything done at once. This isn’t necessary, and more to the point, it can actually box you in too quickly. By taking your time, you can focus on the areas of the design that you want changed the most and also develop the design of your dream home organically over time.
