Every To-Do You Need Before You Start House Hunting
- Ronnie Lee
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2024
Buying a home? It’s tempting to dive straight into Zillow or Redfin, scrolling through dreamy kitchens and perfectly staged living rooms. But before you get too attached to that charming bungalow with the backyard swing, let’s pump the brakes. The road to homeownership starts long before the house hunt—and trust us, it’s worth taking the scenic route through preparation town. Here’s what you need to do to make sure you’re ready to find and buy your dream home.
Step 1: Know Your Real Budget (Spoiler: It’s More Than the Price Tag)
You’re not just buying a house—you’re buying a lifetime of costs that come with it. Before you even think about hitting “favorite” on that mid-century masterpiece, calculate your real budget.
Factor in taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees (if applicable).
Don’t forget the little things that add up—like that dreamy pool you’ll have to maintain.
Pro tip: Budget for the “unexpected homeowner surprises” fund. Pipes burst. Roofs leak. Life happens.
Remember, your “dream home” shouldn’t turn into a financial nightmare.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (The Secret Sauce to a Solid Offer)
Imagine walking into an open house and saying, “Yes, I can afford this—and here’s proof.” That’s the power of a pre-approval letter. Getting pre-approved is like getting your golden ticket. It tells sellers, “I’m serious about buying your home,” and gives you a leg up against other buyers.
Call your bank, a lender, or a mortgage broker.
Submit your docs (yes, it’s paperwork time).
Wait for that magic letter that tells you exactly how much the bank is willing to lend.
Bonus: You’ll avoid wasting time falling in love with homes outside your price range.
Step 3: Find the Right Agent (Or, Maybe You Don’t Need One at All)
Here’s where things get interesting. Thanks to new rules, buyers must decide upfront how much they’ll pay their agent. That’s right—you’re in the driver’s seat.
Your options:
Negotiate with an agent to get a fair deal.
Skip the traditional agent fees altogether and use a service like All House. (Hint: We charge a flat fee, and you keep the savings. Just saying.)
Whatever you choose, make sure your agent—or your guide—has your best interests at heart.
Step 4: The Fun Part—House Hunting!
Now that your budget and pre-approval are sorted, it’s time to dive into the listings. But remember, this isn’t just about finding a house that fits your wishlist. It’s about finding a home that fits your life.
Think long-term: Will this home grow with your needs?
Consider investment potential: Will this property appreciate over time?
Look beyond the photos: Pictures might sell the dream, but a home inspection tells the truth.
Once you find “the one,” it’s time to make an offer. And then? Let the adventure begin.
Buckle Up for the Journey
Buying a home is exciting, nerve-wracking, and (hopefully) one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. But it’s not a journey you want to wing. By taking these first steps, you’re setting yourself up for success—and maybe even a little fun along the way.
And if you’re looking for a way to save big on commission fees, All House is here to help. We’re the flat-fee service that makes buying a home easy, affordable, and stress-free.
Ready to take the first step? Let’s do this together.
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