Wagner Realty
January
2
2
New Year, New Home: Tips for Kickstarting Your Home Search
Are you considering moving into a new home in 2024? Even if you don't plan to start shopping seriously right away, now is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for your big move. Here are a few things our real estate agents recommend doing this new year to set yourself up for home-buying success.
- Make a Wish List
The first thing you'll need to do is think about what you want in your new home. A big industrial-style kitchen to cook in? A spacious home office to work in? A crafting room, rec room, or reading nook? Write it all down. If you don't know where to begin, try looking through home and garden magazines for inspiration.
Once you have a list of features you'd like to have in your new home, sort them into two categories: one for needs and another for wants. Needs are things you won't compromise on – if a home doesn't have these features, it's out. Wants are things that you want but could live without. It helps to rank these features by desirability, so you know which to prioritize during your search. - Settle on a Location
Now it's time to start getting specific. Browse online listings to see what kind of properties are available in the area where you're hoping to move, as well as how much those properties cost. For instance, browsing our Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale might help you get an idea!
Look for a neighborhood that offers the things that matter most to you while also falling within your budget. - Find the Right Real Estate Agent
A great real estate agent can make a huge difference in the home-buying process. Not only will they help you find the best home for you, but they can also help you sell your existing home for a high price. Look for an agent who specializes in the real estate market near where you'd like to move. Their expertise will be invaluable when figuring out whether a particular home is really worth committing to. - Start Saving Up
With the search officially underway, the last thing to do is start saving for your new home. Remember that you'll need to cover things like closing costs, moving expenses, and other potential fees in addition to a down payment on your home. You'll also want to set aside some money for things like home repairs, maintenance, and your first utility bills.
Consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage during this time, too. You and your agent may take some time to find the right home for you, but once you do, you'll want to have everything ready so you can submit an attractive offer as soon as possible. Pre-approval eliminates some of the red tape that might otherwise hold you up and shows sellers that you have the means to back up the offers you make.
It's never too early to start searching for your new dream home in the Sunshine State. Contact us today to connect with our real estate team or to get more details on our current roster of beautiful homes in the Sarasota area.