REAL ESTATE SPECIAL SECTION SUMMER 2024
and bank balances to determine how much you could be approved for on a home loan . Try to pay off as much debt as possible in advance of your home purchase and keep your credit card balances low .
2 . Where in the world ? Identify the locations where you ’ re interested in living and check out home prices in those areas . You don ’ t want to have your heart set on a location and come to find it is out of your budget . Determine what you like about certain areas , such as the school
district , accessibility to work , and proximity to parks and restaurants . Your real estate agent can then help you narrow down more specific locations in which to focus your home search .
3 . Create a list . Or create a few lists . Must-haves versus wish lists are critical , especially if you ’ re buying a home with someone else . What do you consider a non-negotiable ? For you it may be a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms . For someone else it may be a big yard . Do you dream of owning a home with a pool ? Writing out the specifics not only helps you identify what is important to you or your family , it also helps your real estate agent determine what is on the market that fits those needs and wants .
4 . Photos may be deceiving . Home photos , if done right , are often taken at the very best angle , in the best light , and sometimes with retouching . Photos of problem areas will not be posted , so keep an open mind when you find something online that you like . Room sizes may appear quite larger in a photo than in person — that ’ s why it ’ s important to work with your real estate agent to visit any home that has potential . Your agent might also show you homes that may not have photographed well but are exactly what you ’ re looking for . Don ’ t be fooled by a real estate catfish !
5 . Be open-minded and on your toes . There will likely be several buyers vying for a similar home in the same market as you . If you think you ’ ve found the perfect home , alert your real estate agent as soon as possible to go see it in person . Being quick , but smart , could help you secure the home of your dreams in a low-inventory market . If you do get outbid by another buyer , be patient — something is sure to come along ! n
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