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Finding your first home takes time. You’ll be searching through online listings for months, checking out the new hits on Facebook marketplace every single week, and setting up countless numbers of house viewings that’ll exhaust you bit by bit!
And because of all that, you’ve got to be careful about choosing your ‘starter’ home. Even if you want to settle in for the rest of your life, it’s best to have some serious rules in place before you put any serious money down. So here’s what to keep in mind, above all else.
Start by Being Careful with Sale Prices
Of course this might sound obvious, but a lot of new buyers can rush into a decision and not count the pennies as they go. They find a good home, lock in the sale price no matter what it is, and then have to deal with the strict budgeting aftermath. So, once you’ve got your mortgage pre-approved from a place like North Country Savings Bank, make sure you know what a good price looks like. You’re not here to be taken advantage of just because this is your first time; do your research and don’t be afraid to haggle.
Consider the Location’s Convenience
Then you need to think about where you want your first home to be. What does it need to be close to? What routes does it need to have easy access from? And what amenities should only be a street or two away? A corner shop just down the road will always be more desirable than having to drive 10 or so miles to the nearest supermarket! So before you make a deal, check out the property’s surroundings. How do they stack up against the needs of your lifestyle? And how could those needs change?
You Should See Space to Grow
Speaking of changing needs, your first-time home should also have a bit of space to grow. If you’re planning to start a family, it’s not going to be just you and your partner forever! And if you want to expand your family, you’ll need at least one spare room at your disposal. Sure, most first-time homes tend to be on the smaller side, but don’t let the house you move into be microscopic. It might cost a little more but it’ll be worth it.
Keep Repairs Out of the Deal
Unless you’ve got some serious DIY skills of your own, try to avoid any properties that you’ll have to repair once you’ve bought them. You don’t want to sink hundreds of thousands into repair work before you’ve even got a chance to move in, especially if those issues are structural and could mean tearing down the whole foundation! Go the smart and safe way; if you like a house, get a survey done before you agree to buy.
If you want to buy a home, make sure you’re looking in the right places! A good property will show itself.
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