8 Tips for Your Home Search

Tips for looking for a full time residence or your ideal recreational property can be exciting and fun. It also can be exhausting and frustrating. The choice is up to you. There is a great inventory available on the market; you’ll never have the time to see everything that strikes your fancy. Nor do you want to. Chances are that many of these listing will not be right for you for one reason or another. Narrow down your list before you set out in your car to look at property. Consider contacting a buyer’s agent who can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Here are some general tips to get you started:


1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving time line. Is there a job transfer involved? Do you have children who need to be enrolled in school? In Michigan, sometimes the weather plays a role; want to be settled before the snow arrives? Review your calendar and set a date.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s agents are usually paid out of the seller’s commission fee.

Real Estate Needs? Mark Bear, Home Waters ~ 989-889-5037