7 Tips for Finding a Home You'll Love

At Security First Financial, we believe you deserve to live in a home you love. Finding the right home for you takes some planning, so we've put together some helpful tips to get you started.

Set Your Priorities

Make a list of everything you need in your new home and decide what would be a nice bonus - perhaps you need an extra bedroom to use as a home office. Or perhaps you decide you can't go another summer without central air conditioning. Making these decisions ahead of time will allow you to determine which features you can live without.

Consider Your Long-Term Goals

Consider what your life will be like in five or ten years. Will you require a large yard for the dog you intend to adopt? Do you intend to start or expand your family? These questions will assist you in determining the size of home you require.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Consider how your lifestyle influences what you require in a location. If you travel frequently and are rarely at home, perhaps majestic views aren't as important as easy access to the airport. If your children are involved in a lot of school activities, choose a location that is close to their school.

Determine Your Budget

Prequalifying for a loan is the simplest way to get a starting budget. Before you start looking, your local Security First Financial Loan Originator can look over your finances and give you an estimate of how much you may be qualified to borrow.

Work With a Real Estate Agent

Begin your search with the assistance of a real estate agent. They know the neighborhoods and can assist you in discovering hidden treasures you may not have considered. And, because they are familiar with the current housing market, they can assist you in making a competitive offer.

Enlist a Friend

Bring a friend or two with you when you go house hunting. Having a second set of eyes can help you stay realistic and spot features you might overlook. They can also assist you in remaining objective when evaluating a home.

Pay Attention to First Impressions

The way a house feels is just as important as how it appears on paper. It is more important to consider whether a layout feels cramped or spacious than the number of square feet a house has. It's a good sign if you walk into a house and immediately picture yourself living there. Because you'll most likely be visiting several homes, take pictures as you go so you can remember how each one looked and felt.

To learn more about your home financing options, contact your local Loan Originator today.