As a first-time buyer, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of your first purchase like this, and might lead you to either move too quickly on a home that might not be right for you, or get burnt out from your house search taking longer than you’d planned on. 

The best way to make sure you’re fully prepared for your house search and have the most informed opinion going into the process is by avoiding first-time home buyer pitfalls that so many fall into. For a successful house hunt, check out our first-time home buyer tips to get you set up for success. 

Home-Buyer Tips

Buying your first house is a huge accomplishment that you should be very proud of. To make sure you’re in the right financial state and mindset for the house search, follow these tips. 

  • Get pre-approved for a mortgage by a bank or lender. Having a pre-approval letter on you gives you credibility as a buyer and lets the seller know that you’re serious. This process also takes time, and doing so ahead of time will save you time later. 
  • Find the right real estate agent. Finding the right real estate agent for you will make your house search much easier, and will let you have a trained and experienced person doing your negotiations and finding you the right places. 
  • Do your market research. Before your search begins, research what state the housing market is currently in. Determine if interest rates are high or low, and if the market currently favors buyers or sellers. Are there any other trends in pricing going on in the specific neighborhood you’re scoping out? Avoid getting overcharged or walking into an unfavorable market by researching thoroughly. 
  • Find your right neighborhood. Finding the right area for you is not only important for your overall happiness, but also can set you up for success later if you decide to sell your home in the future. Look for up-and-coming neighborhoods that you can invest in early on. Getting a home for less in a developing neighborhood will let you pay less and be at the center of the action, while also enjoying rising property values later on. 
  • Keep expectations realistic. Make a list of your wants and needs from your home, and stipulate which are non-negotiables. However, keep your expectations realistic in terms of location, budget, and amenities. Not every place is going to be perfect, and don’t dwell too much on cosmetic issues that can be easily changed. 
  • Keep an eye out for big issues. Things like structural issues or defects might not seem like a big deal initially, but can quickly turn into a nightmare. Keep a critical eye for anything that gives a red flag, and don’t ignore them just because a house is cute! Additionally, never skip your home inspection. 
  • Avoid hidden costs. Keep an eye open for hidden costs associated with purchasing a home, and don’t fall victim to money pits or scammers. 

Now that you’ve set yourself up for success in your home buying process, it’s time to work with the right moving company for your needs. For a customized and personalized experience from the best professional movers in Long Island, look no further than Austin Moving & Storage.