Searching for a new property to rent or buy is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but it can quickly get exhausting or frustrating if you’re not careful. From misleading online pictures to unhelpful landlords to less-than-ideal neighborhoods, plenty of things can present challenges if you’re not diligent with your screening process as you try to find a property.
No one wants to risk renting or buying a home that they end up hating a few months down the line, so we at Thornburg & Associates, Inc. have put together this list of helpful tips to make it easier to find a property you’ll want to call home for years to come.
- Determine your budget. This one is pretty self-explanatory. Minimize your risk of falling in love with the perfect property only to find out it’s way more expensive than you can afford by sitting down and figuring out your budget before you even begin your efforts to find a property.
- Know your priorities. Is a community pool an absolute must for you? Does the neighborhood need to be walker-friendly so you can take your pet or kids on daily outings? Deciding what features are essential to your lifestyle is a great way to filter out unsuitable options early in your efforts to find a property.
- View in person when possible. Pictures can be deceiving, so view a property in person whenever possible. Even if you can’t view the actual listing for some reason, it’s worthwhile to drive around the neighborhood and see if it is somewhere you’d like to live.
- Read the fine print. Not carefully reviewing all the paperwork before signing an agreement is a great way to end up in a tricky situation. Take plenty of time to review things and be sure to ask any questions that arise before you commit to a property.