For most people , finding the perfect house can be intimidating , especially when determining how to fit in all the desired requirements. Fom the location, price and available amenities it can be a time-consuming activity which could lead you to overlook some details.
Statics show that most buyers only have an idea of the type of home they are searching for and during house hunting, the search could be narrowed down solely on the number of bedrooms making them compromise on other factors.
Here are some of the most common house-hunting mistakes and ways to avoid them:
1. House-hunting alone.
People tend to overlook how time-consuming and tiresome finding a house can be, especially without the help of qualified professionals who are well-versed in house-hunting.
Enlisting the assistance of agents helps a great deal as they are skilled in finding a home that best suits the description from the clients.
You may hesitate because of the agent’s fee but it ends up becoming more time-consuming and more expensive when you are on your own.
Another benefit of using agents is that through their connections, they are in contact with landlords and home owners who offer various options for the client so they save time that would otherwise be wasted visiting tons of other locations.
2. Searching Outside Of Your Price Range
You may start considering moving to a big house but forget that it will cost your more to sustain yourself, with increased rent and more space to fill with extra household items.
To avoid these challenges, search for a home that is in your price range and fits a reasonable budget. The 30% rule comes to play that states you should pay not more than 30% of your gross pay on rent.
3. Failing to Pre-inspect The House
There are instances where people move into a new home without first seeing the house. This could be because of a time crunch where the client immediately requires a roof over their head and entrust his/her agents too much with their choice. This could bring up an issue of wanting to changing their mind because it does not meet their expectations.
It is paramount that before closing any deal, you as the client shows up personally to inspect the home. This is the most solid way to make sure that you get what you want.
It is highly recommended to test every aspect of the home. Open the water taps, flip the lights on and off, open and close all the doors, and punch the walls if possible. As long as you don’t damage the property it is you’re right to test the house for flaws.
4. Forgeting to take the future into consideration
The future may seem far but is an extremely important to factor in when searching for a house. Current wants and needs should also include future plans so that the house can accommodate the changes. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is not considering the future and jumping into a deal that later becomes an inconvenience and hard to abandon.
If you intend to size up your bed, consider getting a house with a bigger bedroom that can accommodate it. If it is a bigger couch, consider the size of the living space. If you plan on expanding your family, consider the amenities available your neighborhood such as hospitals , schools, amusement parks among others.
5. Ignoring the Neighborhood
Do not forget to consider the area surrounding your home as it is an important factor that will make or break your decision to move.
Be keen to note the condition of the neigborhood such as levels of noise from the surroundings like churches or clubs, whether there is ongoing construction, who your direct neigbour is, or even waste disposal arrangements.
Walk around if you need to , and scout for any red flags that may come up in your neighbourhood. Familiarise yourself with the kind of community that also lives within your vicinity.
6. Security concerns
Be extra vigilant when considering the security of the area as it will help you decide whether the area you have found a house in is worth giving a shot. If the house has some form of security risk then it may be worth it to abandon the home and search for another one.
From perimeter walls to security personnel and guard dogs, they are all a good addition to any home to improve security.
7. Getting Desperate
Desperation is bad for house hunting because it can leave you vulnerable to unscrupulous home owners and agents , leading to rushed decisions, overpaying, and overlooking potential issues with the property.
Before embarking on a house-hunting mission it is important to remember that it is a lengthy process, and when you become fed up and frustrated ,remain calm and restrategize.
When time is not on your side, enlist with trusted agents to expedite the process to
prevent the outcome of resentment after choosing a home.
In conclusion, it is best to have a goal in mind of the kind of house you are looking for , but also consider the above recommendations to avoid frustrations in the process. Remember it is okay to feel frustrated but rather than acting irrationally, compose yourself and get back to the drawing board.
You are in control of the house hunting process so enlist help from a third party to point out the flaws that you may be able to find. You can always walk away if the options presented to you do not meet your preferences.
