4 Tips for House Hunting
Looking for a new house to either rent or buy is an exciting thing. You can find a property that better suits your needs, lifestyle and budget. Buying is obviously a big commitment, but renting is too as you’ll be tied to a contract that will likely last 6 to 12 months, meaning you need to find a place you really love. If you’re going to move cities, then you’re also going to want to consider how you’ll transport your things. Shiply is a moving company with competitive rates, allowing you to take the pressure off yourself for the move. Whether you’re currently looking for a new house, or thinking about starting soon, here are my top 4 tips for house hunting:
1. Get a Good Agent
A good real estate agent can be worth their weight in gold, literally, if you’re buying anyway! They can help you negotiate a better rate, help you with the ins and outs of all the paperwork and ensure you find the best property possible. If you don’t know any agents, start with lake oconee real estate agents and you’ll quickly see how much an experienced agent can make the whole house hunting process so much more enjoyable.
2. Start Early
Finding your dream property to rent or buy can take quite a while. I personally like to start a few months before I’m looking to move at a minimum. If you’re in property now that’s flexible with move dates, then that will help you be more open to opportunities that present themselves. There’s nothing worse than finding your ideal property, but the dates simply wont work, or having to fork out rent for a few extra months just so you can take it. Starting earlier will also allow you to explore more options, which is an important part of the property search.
3. Check Out Options
I think it’s important to look at a variety of options in your price point. This is something a good agent can guide you with. Obviously don’t look at places that don’t meet your needs, but be a little flexible as you might be surprised that something into the photos you’re not that interested in, turns out to be a real gem in person. Seeing more properties also gives you the ability to read the market a little more, which will make it easier for you to know the approximate market value of the property you do choose.
4. Be Aggressive
If you’re looking in an area that’s highly competitive, you might have to be a little aggressive to get the property you want. Once I was applying to rent a house I was really interested in that had a lot of applicants. I order to ensure I got it, I offered an extra $200 per month above market price in order to secure it, which I did. Being aggressive for you might just mean filling in the application papers on the spot, putting your offer in early etc. It doesn’t necessarily have to be extra money on the table, although that can often help.
House hunting can be both very exciting and a little nerve-wrecking but these four tips will help ensure you get the best property possible! It’s also worth taking a look at these tips for getting onto the property ladder.