1. Signs It’s Time To Move

There are several occasions when it’s time to start looking for a new home.

Your neighborhood is no longer safe

If you don’t feel comfortable walking home at night or can’t sleep from the sound of sirens, you will benefit from a calmer and safer neighborhood.

A long commute

Saving time on your commute is precious to say the least as you can put that time to much better use such as by spending time with your loved ones.

You no longer need or want such a big home

When kids leave the nest, many parents decide to downsize to prevent the ‘empty nest‘ syndrome. Tight finances also might not leave you a choice.

High utility bills

Older homes come with an older HVAC system, poorly insulated walls, or single-pane windows. Moving just makes more financial sense than upgrading an older home.

2. What To Look for When Searching for a Home

While the number of rooms, the appearance and condition of the kitchen are important, there are other things to think about.

Location, location, location

You can live with almost any imperfection in a home if you love the neighborhood and your neighbors because you can change everything else.

Curb appeal

Curb appeal adds 10% to a home’s overall value. A home should reflect an owner’s lifestyle so you want it to say nice things about you.

Storage

When it comes to storage, you can never have enough of it. Older homes tend to have little closets and not a lot of storage space. On the other hand, newer homes tend to have big closets and lots of storage which is much better than having to sacrifice living space to gain more storage space.

Lighting

There’s no artificial light that can measure up to a bright sunny room. Natural lighting is worth a million.

Energy-efficiency

It is wise to inquire about utility costs and get an estimate on past Vectren Energy bills to give you a better idea not only of the expense you’re in for, but how well is the home is insulated. Older homes may be cheaper at first but they come with higher utility costs that diminish this advantage. Look for energy-efficient homes that will make your life more comfortable and put less strain on your wallet every month.

3. Do’s and Don’t of House Hunting

In a nutshell, you shouldn’t overestimate your finances and you shouldn’t underestimate your feelings as buying a home is an emotional process despite also being a financial transaction.

Be realistic about what you can afford

Once you’ve fallen in love with a particular place, it’s hard to go back so don’t torture yourself looking at homes you can’t afford.

Shop around

Don’t cave on the important stuff. For example, don’t get a two-bedroom home when you know you’re planning to have kids and will need three bedrooms in the near future. Being ready to continue your search will prevent you from making rash decisions that you will regret over the long run.

Lack of vision

Distinguishing between what’s fixable and what’s not is a key part of house-hunting. Although you shouldn’t overlook important flaws you shouldn’t let imperfections that can be fixed turn you away. But, you need to consider the costs involved and honestly evaluate your budget before moving into a property that needs a makeover.

Don’t take too long but don’t rush either

In a hot market, you need to make an offer fast if you find a home you like but don’t do it unless you are sure the home is right for you. On the other hand, waiting too long means someone can beat you to it and losing a home you liked can be heartbreaking.

Takeaway – Sometimes the simplest home looks spectacular thanks to the installed moldings, hardware, and fireplace. The more specific you are about what you are looking for, the sooner you will find your dream home. Be realistic, take your time, don’t act on impulse, and, most importantly, purchase a home that’s good for both your feelings and your finances.