Is 2020 the year you buy a home?

It’s the new year and we’re all focused on how to better ourselves in this new year and a new decade. Some may resolve to lose weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle while some may choose to work towards more business-minded goals. Now we know you’ve heard the old tagline, “New year, new you.” so many times you’re probably sick of it. But how about a new home for the new year? 

Real estate is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your family - and one of the biggest. Here are a few tips to get you started on your home search: 

Pay attention to the price tag. A lack of inventory has real estate prices on the rise. You may be tempted to pay more for a home then you can actually afford. Trust us, that beautiful home with all the extra amenities isn’t worth the financial stress. Before you begin your home search, get preapproved for a home loan. Once you know how much home you can really afford you can start searching for the right home.

Know the hidden costs of homeownership. We all know you need to pay the mortgage but what about the taxes, insurance, and cost of upkeep? Have you researched the typical heating/cooling costs for that neighborhood? What about the cost of improvements you want to make? When searching for a home, consider both the time and money you’ll have to invest in maintenance and improvements. 

Is this your “forever” home? Are you buying a starter home or something you foresee spending the rest of your life in? We know, that’s a HUGE question but hear us out. Think about how easy (or difficult) it will be to sell the home once you’re ready to move on. What attracted you to this home? Is it something that will add value to the home once it’s time to sell? What are the real estate trends in the neighborhood?

Still have questions? We have answers. Our team loves guiding both buyers and sellers on the real estate journey. Give us a call at (256) 230-5950 or contact us here.