You’ve decided to buy your first home and you’re wondering what the next step is. Great news! You’re past the first hurdle, which is making the big decision to buy, and most likely saving up money to do so. We know it can feel like a very overwhelming process so we’ve made a list of easy next steps to get things going and find your dream home.
Step One: Set a Budget
Your budget is going to dictate everything, from the neighborhoods you see homes in to the upgrades you might be able to swing if a house needs some love. Come up with a firm budget before you start looking, then you can avoid pining over properties that are out of reach and only view homes that you can actually purchase.
It’s also helpful to do this first because some real estate teams specialize in luxury homes while others specialize in affordable markets. Some work with a mix. Narrowing this down can help when you’re choosing a team, a neighborhood, and a style of home.
Step Two: Interview and Select a Buyers’ Agent
This is perhaps the most important step in the process. The right buyers’ agent will make the rest of the buying procedure as seamless and comfortable for you as possible. Select a few different teams in your area and interview them to see what feels like a good fit. Ask questions that will measure the depth of their knowledge as well as whether your personalities mesh.
Not to brag, but we happen to be very knowledgeable and likeable buyers’ agents with decades of experience in the Boston area. We’d love to have the chance to convince you why we’re a great fit!
Decide Your Needs and Wants
This step can be a bit tricky. We’ve all got a dream list of things we want in a home: quartz countertops, energy-efficient appliances, historic details, close access to downtown Boston, and the list likely goes on. But you need to separate the must-haves on your list from the would-be-nice-to-have-but-could-live-without things.
For example, two or more bathrooms might be essential to keeping your teenage children from murdering each other. But a kitchen island might be negotiable if there’s enough counter space to compensate for it. Think very hard about what’s a need and what’s a want and, if you work with us, we’ll do our best to get you both.
If you have any questions about this process, or want to interview us as potential buyers’ agents, reach out at nextdoor@unlimitedsir.com or 617-942-1741.
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