If you are anything like me, the thought of buying your first home is sufficient to make you start to gasp. Actually, having to do adult things scares me, but that’s not important. What I’m saying is, buying a house can seem pretty intimidating if you are not sure what you are getting into, but it does not must be. Here are 5 ways to make your first position less intimidating.
Manage Your Finances
Do a Thorough Inspection
This one is a little bit of a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to do a scrupulous inspection before buying a home. As well as ensuring there are no evil spirits or Victorian Era ghosts hanging around the basement, it is also important to check every nook and cranny of the house to ensure there are no signs of major danger, such as broken foundation or a bad roof.
See Environment
Coming from someone who has lived in some very sketchy neighborhoods, I can confidently say that I have developed a keen interest for know if an area is safe. The house you want to buy can be lovely, but if Buffalo Bill lives next door, it might not be the best move. Make sure to drive through the neighborhood during the day and at night, to get a feel for the atmosphere. Also, if you know someone who lives in the area, do not hesitate to ask them what it is like to live there. The way they react can be very telling.
Friends in the Region
As I said before, it is important to get a feel for your environment before you decide to buy a home, but it is virtually as important to network with your future neighbors. Obviously, do not knock on people’s doors at 8 a.m. like a scout, but if you see someone taking out the trash or walking their dog, give a friendly smile and introduce yourself. You’d be surprised how far an easy “hey” can take you.
Most Importantly, Enjoy!
Once you have bought your own place, congrats! The journey is long, but you get there. Now just chill, relax and enjoy your cool new home!