10 Home Buying Secrets: #9 - The First Step to Any Home Search? Devise a Checklist

Posted by Leo Clark. on Wednesday, November 12th, 2014 at 4:38pm.


Home Buying Secrets

We all know that most of today's home buyers start their search online, and with all the information and facts relating to the market easily accessible on the web, it's certainly easy to see why. In fact, it's not terribly uncommon for some people to start casually browsing active listings online out of sheer boredom, and before they know it, they've already started their quest to find the perfect new home without even really realizing it.  

With so much information at your fingertips, and the growing popularity of mobile devices, tablets, and various other ways to surf the 'net wherever you happen to be, its extremely easy to lose focus of what you're trying to accomplish during your search, and unless you have a well-thought out plan and a strategy for how to best execute it BEFORE you start sorting through the hundreds of available home listings, feelings of frustration, unease, and anxiety are almost inevitable.

The first step we always recommend to potential home buyers who are early in the home buying process is to create a thorough checklist that details all your goals, needs, and wants regarding a new home or condo. Staying organized is critical during any home search, and it's by far the easiest way to stay focused on exactly what you're for. Having that checklist with you as you begin to browse home listings is a simple and effective way to weed out properties that aren't suitable, which could save you time and a whole lot of effort in the long-run. 

Home Buying Secret #1: Tighten Up Your Spending 3-6 Months Prior to Buying a Home

Home Buying Secret #2: Know the Difference Between Pre-Qualified & Pre-Approved

Home Buying Secret #3: Don't Try to Time the Market

Home Buying Secret #4: Bigger Isn't Always Better

Home Buying Secret #5: Prepare For Inevitable Sleeper Costs

Home Buying Secret #6: Take Out the Emotion

Home Buying Secret #7: Inspect a Home Thoroughly Before Making an Offer

Home Buying Secret #8: Make an Informed Opening Bid with the Help of a Realtor®