5 Realistic Ways to Get Organized Before Buying a New Home – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.
5 Realistic Ways to Get Organized Before Buying a New Home
While buying a home can be exciting, it can also quickly become overwhelming, especially in the current state of the housing market. The way to combat this stressful time is by being prepared and organized. Knowing what to expect before buying a home will help you stay on track with your budget and have a positive outlook on a rather daunting process. This article will help you get organized and feel prepared before buying a new home.
Prepare Your Finances
Inevitably one of the most important factors to buying a home is money. A great way to start is by researching how much house can I afford? This is based on your income, current debt, and funds available for a down payment. It’s important to understand your debt-to-income ratio going into the homebuying process. Knowing how much of a mortgage you can afford will help you narrow your search. Once you have this figured out, you can filter your search to areas that are within your budget. To keep your finances in order, create a folder with copies of all of your necessary financial documents. Remember, the amount you are approved for is not what you have to spend. You may be able to find homes that fit your criteria and come in under budget! If you plan on buying a home that is going to require renovations or remodeling keep that financial estimate in mind also.
Make a List of Wants Vs. Needs
Once you have narrowed down what you can afford and multiple areas to search, make a list of what you are looking for in a home. To make it efficient, create an excel document with two separate tabs. One for things you must have in your new home, and another for things you would like to have but are not necessary. Print this chart and keep it in a home-buying folder with all of your information and notes related to purchasing your home. A couple of topics to consider include having a fenced-in yard, how many bedrooms and bathrooms are on your Wishlist, and what kitchen floor plan or size would be best for your family. On top of that, considering local school districts and what else you want in a neighborhood is important.
Create a Moving Timeline
Your moving timeline will depend on if this is your first home or if you are selling your current home. If you are currently renting, you will need to plan your move based on when your lease ends. Remember to give your landlord the proper notice that you will be moving out and the expected date.
If you are waiting to sell your home before buying a new one this timing can be a little trickier. Make sure to work with your realtor on the specifics of when you want to be in your new home. Your realtor can then try and plan out your closing date accordingly so that there is as little overlap as possible between selling your current home and moving into your new one. Another important to-do list item is reserving a moving company if you will need assistance with packing or transporting your belongings.
Search for Furniture and Appliances
The fun part of moving, especially if this is your first home, is buying new furniture and decorations to make your new space feel warm and welcoming. You will also need to know what appliances come with your new home so you can plan what you need to additionally purchase or replace. For warm-weather areas replacing or updating the AC unit is something to consider.
For furniture, if you are trying to stick to a budget check out second-hand stores, antique shops, or discount stores for a variety of affordable options. Also, make a list of what you need right when you move in versus what you could get after settling in. If you will be buying new appliances you might want to consider a home warranty. Investing in a home warranty can give you peace of mind that your new appliances are covered if something goes wrong, and save you money down the road by avoiding costly repairs. Since your new home is truly yours you can decorate it however you want and make any cosmetic updates including changing the paint colors.
Settle Into Your New Place
Buying a home and moving are big accomplishments. After such a stressful and lengthy process, you are apt to feel burnt out. Being organized helps the process run smoothly and allows you to enjoy your new place once you are able to move in. One of the main things to remember is to take your time unpacking and really get to know your new space. You will have to make sure electricity is turned on and make an appointment for cable to be set up. Utilize this checklist to be sure not to forget anything you should be doing right after moving in, and remember to enjoy your new home!