The Holidays are over and you’re ready to start looking for your next Austin home. But, are you really ready to buy a home? Lots of folks forget to get their ducks in a row before embarking on their Austin home search and it can make things really hard for them. Sometimes ignoring simple things can kill an otherwise smooth transaction. The simple things start at the beginning, before you start your search.
5 Essential Questions You Must Answer Before Starting Your Home Search
Once you think you might be ready to buy a home, ask yourself the following five simple questions. Getting clear on these five questions will help jumpstart your home search and guarantee you are more successful.
#1: Where?
Designate neighborhoods in your price range in which you want to live. Be sure to identify why these neighborhoods are right for you. What characteristics does each neighborhood possess that you specifically are looking for? Incidentally, this comparison between neighborhoods will likely continue through the search process, but being clear on the type of neighborhood you’re looking for from the get go will reduce wasted time.
Have a clear picture in your head about the type of neighborhood you’re looking for but aren’t quite sure where to find it in Austin? Try our Austin Neighborhood Finder tool.
#2: When?
Understand your timeline. Be realistic about how long it will take to find and close on a home. How quickly do you need to get out of your current housing arrangement? Do you have a lease? How soon do you need a bigger/smaller/closer place to live? Don’t guess. A knowledgeable REALTOR can help you figure a realistic timeline.
#3: How Much?
Put your financial house in order. A professional REALTOR will have a list of reputable, local lenders available to assist with your financing. Getting a loan commitment is a critical step in the home buying process. As we always say, find a loan first and then find a home.
Need a referral for a great, local mortgage lender? We know a few. Send us an email at info@11OaksRealty.com and we’ll send you some names.
#4: How?
Set up your technology tools and alerts. A tech savvy REALTOR will provide you with the user-friendly, up-to-date technology tools to facilitate your home search at no cost. These tools should alert you as soon as a home that meets your search criteria is listed for sale, so you can get a jump on other buyers. Let technology help you stay on top of your home search while you are enjoying life. This will help you not get overwhelmed with your home search.
#5: Who?
Interview several REALTORS to be your buyer’s agent. Compare their approach, demeanor and attitude toward service. Professional REALTORS provide advice and counsel that guides a client toward an informed purchase decision. They are willing to tell you straight up when a particular home is not the right decision. They absolutely do not sell you a home, rather they help you buy the most suitable home for you at the best price possible.
For more about how we help buyers – not sell them – check out our Austin Home Buyer Representation Program.
Answering These Questions Will Make Your Home Search More Successful
Much more goes into locating, negotiating and closing on a home. Starting with these five things will make your home buying task more efficient and far less stressful. Eleven Oaks Realty’s buyers agents can help take you through the rest of the process and make it as stress free as possible. Home buying should be fun and exciting and we can show you how to make it the best experience possible.
Thinking of Buying a Home in Austin?
Our team of experienced buyer’s agents know how to prepare you for the buying process and make it efficient and fun. They can also help you find the right neighborhood for you and negotiate the best deal. Specializing in buyer’s, Eleven Oaks Realty feels buying a home should be about you and what you need, not about us. To that end, we take a consultative approach so you understand what you’re buying and we never hard sell you. For more info about our team, check out our Austin Home Buyers page. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to get started.
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