Without proper guidance and a detailed checklist, finding the perfect house can be a tough and long-lasting process. Many factors should be considered including location, the house’s condition, and last but not least – your budget.

To help you get these factors checked, we are going to share the best house hunting tips, taken from experienced real estate experts. We are also going to share a basic house hunting checklist so that you are off to a good start. Here is what you should know:

SET YOUR PRIORITIES

Every homebuyer has a different set of priorities. Some buy houses to put down roots and expand the family, some want to move closer to work or a more urban area while others simply want to make a real estate investment. Each of these reasons is completely valid but it requires a different house hunting path.

There are a different set of priorities if you want to build a family home and if you want to buy a house with the sole intention of renovating and flipping it. In the second scenario, you should focus more on market value and location while in the first, you should prioritize safety and durability. In any case, you should carefully evaluate your financial position and the things you are willing to negotiate.

Ask yourself questions like: “Is location more important for me than aesthetics?”, “How much am I willing to spend on renovating?”, “What kind of neighborhood do I want to live in”, “Do I plan to have kids?”, “How long do I plan to live in the house” etc.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Most new homebuyers are doing things in the most ordinary way imaginable. They consult a real estate agent or the bank, trusting everybody along the way. However, thinking outside the box is the best method for finding the perfect home. There are many scammers out there, looking to exploit confused new homebuyers.

Point is, consult with experts but remember that the most reliable person, the one you can completely trust, is yourself! That’s why we recommend these out-of-the-box tricks:

• DO YOUR RESEARCH

As we mentioned, you should consult experts but always rely on your gut. Also, your instincts should be backed up by knowledge and research. So before you start house hunting, make sure to learn everything you can. This includes market trends, possible issues at locations (problems with sewage, neighbors, or electricity), important aspects of houses (roofs, basements, etc.)

• FIND ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Sometimes the most common route isn’t the easiest one. Many homebuyers house hunt while abiding by certain rules. The thing is, there are no rules in house hunting, especially not when it’s your future and budget that are at stake. So don’t ignore different solutions like rent to own and foreclosure homes. Without a doubt, these alternative paths can make house hunting a thousand times easier.

• GATHER YOUR EVIDENCE

Many homebuyers forget to gather all data for a house they like. So on viewing day, take your camera with you and take pictures of everything. Ask the previous owners for documents regarding recent renovations or upgrades and warranties for materials (roofs, windows, doors, etc.)

• ACTIVATE YOUR SENSES

Sometimes, home sellers cover up the faults of property by cosmetic tricks. For example, moldy homes have unpleasant smells and cracks on the walls. That’s why a lot of homes on sale smell like perfume and have a fresh coat of paint. If everything looks a bit too perfect, something might be seriously wrong. Activate your senses and prepare for these situations by researching signs of mold and moisture in homes.

• TWO OPINIONS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

Another way to learn more about a property or a location is to consult more than one expert. Contact neutral contractors, agents, family, and friends. Also, what the home seller or your real estate agent won’t tell you, the neighbors will. So after things clear up, return to the house you liked and start a polite conversation with the closest neighbors.

PUT ON YOUR DETECTIVE HAT

Thorough research is the key to a successful house hunt. We mentioned how you need to talk with neighbors and experts and how you need to activate your senses on house viewing day. However, the task doesn’t end there, you need to find much more before purchasing a house. So put on your detective hat and find out the answers to these questions:

• IS THE HOUSE LOCATED IN A FLOOD OR NATURAL DISASTER ZONE?

If the house is a disaster zone, be prepared to spend a lot on repairs and renovations. Also, houses located in such zones need to be built according to local construction codes and regulations. Make sure to ask previous owners whether the house is compliant with these rules. If it isn’t, you will have to invest in upgrades.

• WHY ARE THE OWNERS SELLING THE HOUSE?

The reason the owners are selling the house is crucial. The ideal situation is when they are selling because they are moving away or want a larger/smaller house. If they are selling the house because something is wrong like the sewage system or neighborhood, we suggest you look at another property. Another perfect option is foreclosed homes. They are less likely to be damaged or in need of repair.

• HOW LONG HAS THE HOUSE BEEN ON THE MARKET?

If the house is on sale for months, even years, consider another option. When nobody’s buying, the chances that something’s wrong are much higher. To ensure you make the right decision, try to find and contact previously interested buyers or consult with the neighbors.

THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

Finding out more about a property you like is great, but you should put on the detective hat even before you start viewing houses. You should start researching from the moment you decide to buy a house.

Try to search the internet for information about neighborhoods that are gaining popularity and market value. Remember to look at locations and homes that will fit your budget and needs. For example, if you have kids or plan to, browse properties near schools and entertainment areas. You can use Google/Apple Maps or you can browse house hunting sites that have all the necessary filters like location and price. Remember, the more data you find, the better decision you can make.

Whether you are on a strict budget or have all the money in the world, everybody loves a good deal! So after you find a neighborhood you like, try finding good deals online. Foreclosed or rent-to-own homes are the best way to reduce spending and save some money for the future. By simply doing some digging, you can find a home 30-50% below market value.

THE BENEFITS OF FORECLOSED HOMES

Have you ever wondered how someone you know managed to buy a house in an area you just knew they couldn’t afford? The answer is easy – they bought a foreclosed home.

As we mentioned, foreclosed homes aren’t sold because the piping is faulty or the structure is cracked. They are owned by banks and are sold by lenders because the previous owners didn’t manage to pay their mortgage rates. That’s why foreclosed homes are the cheapest in neighborhoods. You can even find homes under $60,000.

Two almost identical properties (one foreclosed the other owner-sold), in the same neighborhood with the same size, will have a different price. In St. Louis, research shows that a foreclosed home is 37% cheaper than an owner-sold one. The price difference can be truly amazing while the results are the same.

Along with rent-to-own, foreclosed homes are the best option for buying a new house when on a budget. Another important benefit is that you get to avoid complicated legalities and negotiations with previous homeowners. The house is immediately yours, without any concerns about titles.

SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS

The last tip we want to share with you concerns your health and safety. Previously, we saw how home sellers and real estate agents can mask the faults of a home with tricks like strong perfume and repainting. The list doesn’t end there. Many things in a house can be easily hidden or overlooked.

That’s why we always recommend that you bring a contractor or someone with house hunting experience along with you. Don’t go house hunting by yourself, always have someone to hold your hand. Also, when you get to the final stages, make sure to schedule inspections. From camera sewage inspections to roof contractors, you will need all hands on deck to make sure you purchase a safe and healthy home.

THE HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST

House hunting is similar to camping. You need to have all the necessary gear if you want to have a safe trip and a good time. So to have a positive and fruitful house hunting experience, make sure to add these to your checklist:

• Estimate your budget and financing options
• Get pre-approved
• Find reliable real estate agents and contractors
• Find a good neighborhood within your budget
• Take an expert or friend with you on house viewing day
• Research and snoop around the area of the house
• Try to find better deals – similar but less expensive homes
• Carefully look at the owners’ documents (warranties, proof of sale, maintenance and repair records, past utility bills, HOA documents, etc.)
• Schedule basic home inspection (HVAC, roof, insulation, windows and doors, foundation, electrical, plumbing, attic, walls, ceilings, and floors)
• Get an appraisal of the house
• Renegotiate (request repairs if needed)