Living and working in New England is wonderful. There are four seasons. The fall season has some of the most spectacular displays of color, winter yields the perfect snowstorms where you can bundle up and the kids can play in the snow, ski resorts are within an hour or two drive, and the beaches are beautiful in the summer. Plus, you’re always close to a nearby city for a weekend away or fun night on the town.
All these factors and more make it an excellent place to call home. But, calling it home, means you’ll either rent or need to purchase a home. In some neighborhoods, the market is very competitive. When people find a place they love, they don’t want to leave, which can mean lower inventory in most beloved areas. Rent prices are also very high compared to other markets. The best option is to buy a home, and here are some of the best tips on how to get one in New England.
Get Pre-Approved
Before you step foot in a house for sale, it’s important for you to get pre approved. This will give you the top range of your budget so you can be sure the home you want is affordable for you. Pre Approval is also required by many real estate agents. When you’re looking for a real estate agent in Newton, MA, for instance, most of the best ones won’t even work with you unless you have a letter from the bank for pre approval.
Be Realistic About What Your Budget Can Get You
Most homebuyers don’t get everything on their list. No matter what your budget is, you need to understand the market in New England so you can be realistic about how far your money will go in and near the best places. You might be able to afford a home in the best neighborhood in Boston, but it might need a little facelift to make it really shine. Or, you could get a fully remodeled home a little further from your desired area.
Learn What To Expect in a Bidding War
Bidding wars are common, especially in high-demand areas. In a bidding war, you’ll want an agent who can go to bat for you without getting you in over your head. Talk to your realtor about what to expect in their area and how to navigate a potential bidding war on a property that everyone wants. You may need to submit an interview, a video, and other details to share with a seller. Perhaps they have a family home and would prefer a family owns it next as opposed to an investor.
Research the Neighborhoods You Want To Live In
While your agent can give you details about neighborhoods, you’ll also want to put in some time researching the areas you want to live in. What schools are nearby? What’s the community like? What’s the crime rate like? What types of crimes are common? Are there parks nearby? Is there easy access to public transportation for commuting into the city? These are just some of the questions you can ask about potential areas where you want to live.
Practice Commuting
They say that practice makes perfect. With that in mind, it’s critical to practice commuting to work at the time of day that you usually commute. You’ll want to see what traffic is like and if there are alternate routes when it gets heavy on the roads. Additionally, there are toll roads and bridges throughout New England and if you commute to work, you’ll want to know if you’ll cross through these areas daily or not. The additional cost of paying these fees daily can add up.
Prioritize Your Wants and Needs
No matter what you’re in the market for, you need to prioritize your wants and needs. You might want a separate shower and tub in your master bathroom, but is it essential? You might want an open concept kitchen and living room, but is it necessary? By listing your wants and needs, you can easily filter the homes through what you need and what you prefer. This can help you get into the right home that meets your needs, but where you can later fulfill some of those wants.
Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!
Speak Your Mind