How to find the Perfect Home in Memphis
Are you relocating to Memphis? Are you getting ready to find a home?
Home prices in Memphis are 35% lower than the national average. There’s also no state income tax. If you’re purchasing your first home in
Memphis, there are lots of reasonable, affordable options to choose from.
Here’s what you need to know about how to find a house.
1. Find a Great Real Estate Agent
The first step in your home buying process should be to compare top real estate agents in Memphis and find your perfect match.
If you know folks who live in the area, ask for recommendations for great buyer’s agents. If you’re new to the area, call up local agents, and ask for referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Did the agent help them find a great house in a reasonable amount of time? Were they always available for showings? Were they respectful and professional?
Go online and see if reviews match what you’re hearing about a particular agent. Be wary of agents who have the same negative comment showing up several different times. Chances are, this is a good indication of what your experience will be like.
Trust your instincts when you call agents.
Do they seem knowledgeable and confident? Are they listening to your specific requests when it comes to homes? Do they seem to know about homes in the area before anyone else does?
The right agent is key to finding the perfect home, so be sure you choose wisely.
2. Get Your Paperwork Together
Make sure you figure out your budget when it comes to purchasing a home.
Remember that your monthly housing cost will involve more than just your mortgage. You’ll also need to think about taxes and home insurance. And don’t forget your utilities, including heat, hot water, and electrical bills.
You’ll want to make sure you’ll have enough money left over for other expenses and necessities after housing costs. If, for example, you have a family, you’ll want to think about things like medical costs, sports teams, and lessons. The house you purchase should fit comfortably into your budget.
You’ll also need to get your credit score checked. There are many ways to do this for free online.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, you can obtain a pre-qualification from a lender. This is an idea of the amount of loan you’ll qualify for. If you’re competing for homes within a certain price range, a pre-qualification can give the seller confidence in your ability to complete the sale.
A mortgage pre-approval is even more reassuring than a pre-qualification. It’s a commitment by a lender to actually grant you a mortgage.
This can come in very handy while you’re shopping.
3. Know What You Want
Besides affordability, there are a number of factors to consider when purchasing your first home. Remember that you may need to stay in your house for a few years to see a return on your investment. You don’t want to be unhappy when you come home every day.
Think about your lifestyle, including your commute to work and extended family. If these distances are too far, your well-being could suffer.
It helps to list your priorities before you begin looking so you don’t end up with a long-term burden.
Remember that maintenance and upkeep can become quite costly when you’re a homeowner. If you’re looking for a first home and aren’t very handy, consider a home that’s in relatively good condition.
Think about things like heating systems and water or roof damage. These can end up becoming large payments you weren’t expecting to make.
When it comes to layout, think about how your home will suit your needs over the next five years.
Are you planning to start a family? Make sure there is a room for a nursery and space for when the kids begin to grow.
Think about your neighborhood and school district even if you aren’t planning on sending your kids to public school. If your town has a desirable school system and activities for young people, your home will be easier to sell in the future.
4. Take Your Time
It’s probably not in your best interest to make an offer on the first home you like. With a little homework, you can get an idea of homes in your price range and how they compare. Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, home conditions, and special amenities.
You can do your research online, as well as in-person visits. If the town you’re interested in has a lot of open houses, you can drive around a few weekends and really get a feel for what’s out there.
While you’re at it, take a walk around downtown and get a feel for your village’s atmosphere. Think about how you’re likely to spend your weekdays and weekends.
Does the area you’re considering really suit your lifestyle? Will you be happy living there, as opposed to just visiting?
Your research may bring you back to specific streets and neighborhoods that you find the best to suit your needs and price range. After you’ve done some digging, you can be even more confident that you’re making a good decision.
Find a Home in Memphis
Follow the right steps to buying a home, and you can be certain that you’re making a smart decision. With the right agent, budgeting, and planning, you’ll be ready to find a home in Memphis in no time.
For more great lifestyle tips, read our blog today.
