3 practical tips for house hunters
RE/MAX shares advice on making your house hunting journey work for you.
The journey of house hunting can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned house hunter, a few tried and tested strategies 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,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
To help make this process easier, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares their top three practical tips for house hunters:
1. Be open to compromising.
No home is ever going to be 100% perfect. Being willing to compromise is essential, especially for first-time buyers still learning what their money will afford them within the current market. Compromise is also important for couples with 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.
2. 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 it might surprise you how much you like the property once you see it in person. It often takes walking through a home to realize the property’s full potential.
Apart from this, considering multiple properties can help avoid getting overly attached to one particular house. Keep your options open because you cannot be certain that your offer will be accepted.
3. Work with a real estate professional.
Listing portals make house hunting much more accessible to buyers, but you are losing out on value if you do not involve a real estate agent from the 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 hit the market.
The best part about this is that their services are free for buyers!
Embarking on the journey of finding the perfect home can be exciting, especially when you have the right support and guidance.
“From setting realistic search criteria to thoroughly exploring all options, the key to success lies in working with an experienced RE/MAX professional who can help you carefully plan and make informed decisions,” Goslett concludes.
