Ok, admit it… you love searching for homes online! There is nothing quite like dreaming about beautiful homes while snuggled up in the comfort of your own home.
But when you get serious about buying a home it’s time to also get serious about your searching. What you see online can be both seductive and deceiving. I can’t tell you how many times I have been contacted by a buyer who tells me they found the house they want to buy… they found it online, haven’t seen it yet, but know it is the house they want to buy!
You can be surprised either way when you actually visit the property… it can turn out to be better or worse than you expected when you see it in person! And don’t forget to consider not only the property itself, but what is around it.
Bottom line is… a picture may be worth a thousand words… but first a drive by, and maybe a walk through the neighborhood, then a personal visit to see the ‘real’ interior speak reality… for better or for worse. If it passes those tests, check out commutes to places you visit regularly and study the schools… even if you don’t have children of your own, it can impact the neighborhood and value when it comes time to resell. And yes, always look ahead to resale value… even if you plan to live there a long time things can change. In the words of John Lennon, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
An inspection is always a wise investment when you are likely making the largest purchase you will ever make. Many buyers passed on inspections during the crazy Covid years when the competition was insane… only to regret it later.
When you are ready to get serious, get your financing preapproval and find a Realtor you feel comfortable with to represent you on your exciting journey!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
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