Buying a first home is an exciting event. You've scraped and saved for years to build up a downpayment, and you're ready to find your first house. But many first-time buyers can be surprised to find the home buying process involves many steps and stages, and they can easily make mistakes if not properly prepared.
We've outlined some of the most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make and how to avoid them. Following these tips will help make sure buying a home is an exciting adventure rather than unnecessarily costly and stressful.
Not Listening to Their Agent
It's essential to find a real estate agent you feel comfortable with and who has extensive knowledge of the area you're looking in. For example, when you're looking for a home in Whitby, it's important to work with real estate agents in Whitby Ontario, who know the ins and outs of the area.
After that, it's important to actually listen to their advice. Buying a home can be an emotional process, which is why having the steady hand of a professional is so beneficial. You're hiring an agent for their experience and expertise, so it doesn't make sense to ignore what they have to say.
Falling in Love with Staging
Home staging is a regular part of selling a home, whether all new furniture has been brought in or the house has just been thoroughly decluttered. But there is a big difference between the idealized way we envision ourselves living somewhere and the actual way people live. For example, sellers are encouraged to keep their counters clear of appliances and everyday items, making the space look bigger. But unless you're going to keep all your appliances tucked away in cupboards and drag out your coffee maker or toaster every time you need it, it's not practical.
Sellers may also use smaller furniture to make a space seem bigger. This is why it's vital to go room by room and actually picture living your life in it. Does the amount of space and storage suit your needs? Will your furniture and current belongings fit nicely in the space? Asking yourself these questions can help you find a home suited to your lifestyle instead of purchasing a home that you will immediately feel out of place in.
Forgetting About the Neighborhood
Many first-time buyers can get overly fixated on finding the perfect house and forget to really consider the neighborhood the house is in. Before buying a house, you should take the time to check out the area. Walk around, visit the local shopping area, and take your regular commute to work.
Visit the neighborhood on several different days to get a fuller picture of what it will be like to live there and gauge the feel of the area. Even if you find your dream house, you'll likely end up hating it if you don't like the neighborhood you're in.
Follow these tips to avoid common pitfalls many first-time buyers make, and soon enough you'll be happy in your first home.
