Moving to a new house is considered an extremely stressful life event. It’s understandable as to why — a new home search is stressful because of all the factors that go into it, and if you’re unprepared, the weight is bound to pile up.
Does it have to be that bad?
The answer is no. If you go into a home search being prepared and know exactly what you need to do, it’s bound to cut down on the stress that the move will bring.
So what’s important to consider before looking for a home? Read on and make sure you’ve taken each of these things into account.
1. Consider What’s a Must-Have
First and foremost, you should know what you’re looking for in a new home.
Whether a fenced in yard is a dealbreaker for you because of your furbabies, or you just really want to look at some beautiful 2 storey house designs because that’s what you love aesthetically, you need to know what you want.
Some things might be optional, but you should have a good idea of what your dealbreakers are so you know not to waste time on a home you ultimately would never buy.
2. Have a Plan for the Interim
For homebuyers, the interim between selling and buying can be stressful. If you sell your house before you buy a new one, what then?
You should always have a plan for the meantime if you’re selling before buying (which is what most people do). Make sure you have a place to stay, or a storage unit where you can keep all of your belongings.
Otherwise, you might find that you’re left without a home and nowhere to go or put all your things. That’s one of the most stressful things that could happen during a move.
3. Focus on One or Two Areas
You should focus on one or two neighborhoods when it comes to where you want to live, just to make the search manageable.
Consider:
- The crime rates
- The commute from home to work
- The schools, if you have kids or plan to
- The neighborhood facilities, such as dog parks, restaurants, etc.
When you’ve worked out what you want in the surrounding area, you can contain your search.
4. Calculate Your Budget
During the homebuying process, your new home budget is one of the most important things you’ll have to consider.
Knowing how much you can pay in closing costs and what your mortgage preapproval dictates means you’ll only look at homes within your budget, and not end up disappointed if you can’t afford one you were keeping an eye on.
You’re Ready to Begin Your New Home Search
If you’ve considered all of these things and have answers, congratulations — you’re ready to begin your new home search!
Don’t let the stories of how stressful it is make you dread the process. Finding a new home is exciting and as long as you’re organized, everything will go swimmingly.
For more home posts to consider when moving, take a look at the rest of our site!
