The journey of house-hunting can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned house-hunter, there are a few tried and tested strategies that can help you navigate the real estate market with confidence.
“Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases a person can make, so you want to be sure to make the right choices throughout this process,” said Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
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Here to help make this process a little easier, here are their top three practical tips for house-hunters:
Be open to compromising
No home is ever going to be 100% perfect. Being willing to compromise is essential – especially for first-time buyers who are still learning what their money will actually afford them within the current market. Compromise is also an important aspect for couples who have differing ideas on what the house needs to offer.
Being able to agree on the essential must-haves versus want-to-haves in a home is a crucial first step before starting the house-hunting process. Keep the list of must-have items short and realistic and be open to compromise on any item that falls under the ‘want-to-have’ list.
Give every home a fair chance
Making viewing appointments for multiple properties is a must for anyone who is house-hunting. Not only will this help buyers narrow down their search criteria, but you might just be surprised by how much you like the property once you see it in person. It often takes walking through a home to realise the property’s full potential. Apart from this, considering multiple properties can help to avoid getting overly attached to one particular house – you can never be certain that your offer will be accepted, so it is a good idea to keep your options open.
Work with a real estate professional
Listing portals make house-hunting much more accessible to buyers, but you are losing out on so much value if you fail to involve a real estate agent right from the very beginning.
Not only will a real estate agent bring a wealth of local knowledge, real estate expertise, and negotiation skills to a transaction, but they are also likely to be privy to new listings before they even hit the market. The best part about this is that their services are completely free for buyers.
Embarking on the journey of finding the perfect home can be an exciting process, especially when you have the right support and guidance at your side.
“From setting realistic search criteria to thoroughly exploring all options, the key to success lies in working with an experienced professional who can help you carefully plan and make informed decisions.
“Armed with these practical tips, your house-hunting can become a stress-free, rewarding experience,” Goslett concluded.
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