HOUSE HUNTING? HERE’S WHERE TO START

While it may sound like a reasonably easy thing to do, house hunting may take a little more time and effort than most expect, especially if you don’t follow any specific process. One of the biggest challenges you’re likely to face when searching for homes is knowing where to start when sifting through the variety of properties available to you.

The chances of you buying the very first home you view are rather slim. Looking at multiple properties with no real plan will only add to the confusion and can make your decision more difficult. With a clear plan set out from the start, you’ll be able to simplify the process and ultimately make the buying decision easier. To better prepare you for your house hunting journey, below is a guide on where and how to start the process...

Start with just a few viewings at a time

It’s a common misconception that utilising different estate agents and going to view as many listings as possible in a day is the best way to house hunt. However, this may only provide you with a general overview of the homes on the market and make it really tricky to keep track of each home’s standout attributes. Viewing a manageable number of properties – the rule of thumb is to view no more than four properties on any given day – will help you to retain as much information about each property as possible.

Keep track of the houses you like

Remember to make notes on each property viewed using an iPad, smartphone or the traditional pen and notebook. The pros and cons of each property should be logged, listing likes, dislikes and standout features. At the end of the day, delete any notes on homes you disliked and only keep records of the properties that you did like.

Take pictures of the listings you view

Keeping track of hyperlinks to property listings can become tricky, especially when you are viewing multiple listings. Instead of looking at pictures on the online listing to refresh your memory, take enough photos of the property while you are viewing it, paying attention to aspects of a home that are especially appealing. Try to organize the images on your phone by placing the photos in an album in your gallery to help you keep track of each property. Again, only keep pictures of homes that you liked.

Stick to one reputable real estate professional

Ideally, it’s best to use just one estate agent that you feel comfortable with. A reputable real estate professional who specialises in the area will be able to narrow down the search and viewings based on the information and criteria you have provided. This will save you from wasting time viewing properties that don’t meet your needs. Sticking to just one agent also simplifies the admin involved. You can always chat to them if you are uncertain of anything or can’t remember something about the home you just viewed. They’ll have a record of the homes that you’ve seen and a list of each property’s features. Agents will know their listings and will ensure that you find a home that ticks all your boxes.

Enjoy the experience of finding your dream home

Navigating this process by yourself can be overwhelming. Reach out to a real estate professional who’ll be able to help you overcome any challenges you may face along the way. Purchasing a new home is both exciting and stressful. However, handling the process calmly and logically will mitigate much of the stress, allowing you to enjoy the process of finding your dream home.