Buying a house is a big deal whether it’s your first or your fifth time to do so. It’s a major life decision and huge purchase, after all—and putting a lot of careful consideration into the process could potentially save you thousands of dollars and regrets in the future. Before you look into home loans and bid on a Provo, Utah property, check out these three useful tips:
1. Hire the Right House Inspector
One of the things to avoid when viewing houses is to see it through rose-colored glasses. It’s very easy to be fooled by a manicured yard and a well-decorated interior. The problem is that they could be hiding foundation problems and maintenance issues. The best way to get to the bottom of a house’s condition is to see it through the eyes of a professional house inspector.
House inspectors don’t need a license to operate in Utah. This is why it’s important to be very cautious before signing a contract with one. You can ask friends and relatives for recommendations. It’s also good to ask for their sample reports on similar houses to check how rigorous they are. Forbes recommends getting an inspector who’s bonded and insured for your financial security.
2. Check Out the Neighborhood
Your potential home could be beautiful and dreamy, but it won’t mean much if the rest of the area is desolate. Nearby vandalized businesses and houses up for sale are red flags, according to HGTV. Get an accurate feel of the neighborhood by visiting at different times of the day on a weekend and a weekday. Don’t be afraid of being friendly and chatting up the residents. They could spill some important information on the state of the neighborhood.
If you have kids, make sure to include them in the selection process. You can take them during an open house and familiarize them with the area to help ease any worries about moving.
3. Be Ready to Compromise
One of the things that several homebuyers do is make a list of negotiable and non-negotiable traits they look for in a house. The problem is that it’s more likely that you’ll bend to the market’s will than find your dream home. It could be due to your budget, the houses on sale, or the things you’re looking for. What you can do to manage expectations is to research. For example, if you want a basement and an attic, check the value of houses with those specifications in similar areas. Question if you really need a third bedroom or if you can make do with two. Don’t be blinded by flashy features and extra space. You might waste money and end up getting a much pricier house than you truly need. You should also consider the chance that you’ll have a change of heart, so it’s good to keep an open mind about features.
House hunting can be a stressful but rewarding process. It involves dealing with various people, calculating hefty costs, and doing ample research. But when done right, you could land the right home for you and your family for generations to come.
