Preparing to Buy a House

Our Tips for Preparing to Buy a House

At Heaton Dainard we understand that you aren’t just buying a house, you are making a large investment in your future.  Buying a house is more than making a large investment, it’s the place for your family to make memories, and we understand that it is important to get it right. Our experts take out the complexities to help you through the entire process of buying a house.  Whether you are buying your first home, your first home in Washington State, or simply looking for a new home, we’ll help you know what to look for when buying a house. We recommend considering the items below to paint a general picture of the right home for you.  

WANTS AND NEEDS

The first step to finding your dream home is determining your non-negotiable needs, and flexible wants. There’s a big difference between wanting a three-car garage, and needing a three bedroom home for your family. Include the interior and exterior of your home. Buyers often get stuck on floor plans, and interiors, but the exterior of your home is equally important to choosing your dream house.

LOCATION

Before you start looking at houses, it’s important to narrow down the neighborhoods you like within the areas that you need to look into. Consider factors such as population density, local schools, access to roads and infrastructure, and the overall look and feel of the neighborhood. Keep in mind what the neighborhood will look like in the future. Especially when buying your first home, work with your broker to determine what the appreciation rates will be, and what the future of the neighborhood looks like.

PRICE RANGE

Knowing your price range is one of the most important aspects of determining the right home for you. Utilize our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments, down payment, and the type of loan that fits your individual needs.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Buying a home is a complex process, involving negotiations, budgets, and amendments to budgets. Before you begin your search, it’s important to factor in additional costs to avoid any unexpected financial strain. For each home, keep a list of any repairs or improvements that need to be made before moving in. This will help you keep an accurate budget and determine which home is right for you. These updates can also be useful tools for negotiation and potential price breaks.

BROKER

Navigating the real estate market can be a challenge. It’s important to have the right broker who understands your needs and works tirelessly to deliver you real estate dreams. Our highly skilled team can guide you through this complex process and ease your search with early access to listings before they hit the general market.

BEGIN SEARCH

Once you have narrowed your preferences to your chosen locations, begin casually browsing to get a general idea of what type of homes are available in your preferred areas. Our team of brokers will assist in your detailed search and find properties that fit your specific needs.