Now that you’ve decided to move, how will you find the perfect new home? We came up with a few tips that will help make your home search easier, all while managing your move.

Now that you’ve decided to move, how will you find the perfect new home? We came up with a few tips that will help make your home search easier, all while managing your move.

“The first step is always the hardest,” notes one real estate expert. “But if you do your homework, it should almost feel like you’ve done this all before.” So, here’s the homework:

Crunch the Numbers

For many, that first step is the hardest because it involves the math — those intimidating numbers that keep home shoppers on the fence. But if done right, your budgeting and financing can be an enlightening process that lays out the path for the rest of your homebuying experience.

“It is never a good idea to start looking at homes until you have your loan officer go over your financials to know what your price range is,” advises a Realtor. “Homeownership can be very rewarding, but requires careful planning. Consulting your financial advisor or a mortgage broker can give you a good overall picture of what you can afford without stretching your budget too thin.”

Determine Your Wants and Needs

Once you know your budget, it’s time to start evaluating what you really want and what you actually need. “Determine your needs by really focusing on why you are moving and what your current priorities are,” suggests one expert. “Take a step back and consider where you are in your career and personal life.”

• Deal Breakers: Must-have features like three bedrooms or a specific price range.
• Things I’d Like: Desirable but non-essential features, such as hardwood floors or a fireplace.

Find the Right Neighborhood

Now that you’ve figured out what you want in a home, it’s time to see which communities offer that kind of home. A good place to start? Online, with a site like Pre-ConstructionHomes.com. A quick search in your area can bring up numerous listings to explore.

“I am a firm believer that neighborhood quality and lifestyle suitability are key factors when purchasing a new home,” says a real estate professional. “A great property in the wrong neighborhood will never make the perfect home.”

Get Professional Help

Seek out an agent or builder’s sales representative, especially if you’re moving from out of state or need guidance. “A good Realtor will not only propose options and show you homes but also serves as a consultant to help you make a sound decision,” emphasizes one expert.

Builders’ sales representatives can also guide you through design options and highlight quick move-in homes if you’re pressed for time.

Tour and Take Notes

Whether you find listings on your own or with an agent, touring homes is critical. “View three to five properties on your first outing — enough to compare, but not so many that you lose track,” advises a real estate expert. Take detailed notes and revisit top choices before making a decision.

“After your first day of viewing and armed with all your notes, schedule one or two more viewings. After three outings, you should be able to make an educated decision.”

And that is how you find a new home.