4 Tips To Help You Pick The Perfect New Home

A home is an extension of you and your family — it’s the place where you’ll unwind after a long day of work and where you should feel most like yourself. But how can you decide which new home is right for you? Follow these simple tips.

Decide on a Location

Sometimes your general location will already be determined for you — for example, you might need to find a place near where you work — but when you’re free to choose where you’ll live, it can be tough to narrow down your choices.

Start by thinking about what kind of weather you like. If you’re a sun worshipper, southern California is a great choice. Orange County has warm weather and beautiful beaches, and you might find what you’re looking for in new homes in Costa Mesa or Huntington Beach.

Once you settle on a town, start researching neighborhoods, investigating schools, traffic, crime rates, and nearby amenities.

Evaluate What You Can Afford

Before you set your heart on a particular house, take an honest look at your budget. You want to be able to comfortably afford your mortgage payments. Bear in mind, too, that unexpected costs can arise after you move. For example, utilities like water and power might cost more than you anticipated. Also take into account expenses such as homeowner’s association fees and the cost of commuting to work.

Be smart about finding a loan for your home. Don’t accept the first offer that comes along. Compare interest rates, and read the fine print so that you uncover any extra fees before you sign anything. Research different types of loans as well. A fixed-rate mortgage might be best for you, but a variable-rate mortgage is also an option.

Compare Home Styles and Make Notes

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The appearance and feel of your new home are some of its most important aspects. Do you want the clean lines and open spaces that come with a contemporary design? Would you prefer the classic comfort and vintage flair of a Victorian-style house? Perhaps your style tends more toward the homey atmosphere of a cottage near the beach.

As you tour different homes, make notes on features you like and dislike. If a house is almost perfect but doesn’t quite hit the mark, consider whether you could afford to tweak its design to fit your family’s wants and needs.

Partner With the Right Real Estate Agent

Because buying a home is such a big decision, you want someone on your side who understands what you want. Read online reviews of real estate agents with an eye to finding someone who understands the area to which you want to move. Personality is also important; you want to feel comfortable enough with your real estate agent to ask lots of questions, and you don’t want to feel pressured into making a decision.

Picking the perfect new home is no easy task. However, you can be confident in your decision if you take your time in deciding on the location and home style that are right for you.