House Hunting Hacks: 8 Essential Tips for Buying Your Dream Home! | Ukiah REAL ESTATE | Realtor MOM

Having a realtor as your buyer's agent is helpful in countless ways and makes the process of buying a house much smoother. So, if you want eight tips on things to keep in mind while buying a house, stay tuned because we're about to get into it right now.

Hi, my name is Kasie Gray. I'm a realtor, a broker associate, and a mom, and I love helping people love where they live. Today, I'm going to talk to you as a potential home buyer. Whether you currently own your home and looking to size up or on your search for the first home you will ever purchase, here are eight things to keep in mind when you are on the search so that you don't have buyer's remorse and you love where you live.

1. Neighborhood: The neighborhood is the most important thing. They always say to buy the worst house in the best neighborhood because one thing you cannot change about the property is its location. You can always change fixtures, finishes, even walls, but the neighborhood is something that you cannot change. So, that is something that you need to look into your lifestyle and figure out what that looks like for you.

2. Floor Plan: This one is so important. Take a look at the floor plan and how that's going to work for your day-to-day life. Whether it's a two-story house, if you are downsizing, or looking for a single-level house if you have multiple kids. What does that room layout look like? Is there room to grow? Are you going to be comfortable in the space for the next 5 to 10 years?

3. Major Home Systems: Things like roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. These can add up and they're not pretty aesthetically fun things you get to spend money on. Having to replace the windows is not going to revamp the whole space; it's going to make your bills more cost-effective. If HVAC is going to go out soon, do you have $10,000 set aside for that?

4. Exterior: Pay attention to the siding, roof, and curb appeal. What are the maintenance needs? Is it grass or rock?

5. Natural Light: Open the curtains and see what that looks like at different times of the day.

6. Damage: Keep in mind things that have been worn and not well taken care of.

7. Garage: Does it fit your cars and storage needs? Is it insulated?

8. Renovation Needs: What is it that you're going to want to change? Is it aesthetics or structural?

If you are ready to start your journey on your home buyer search, I will link my free home buyer guide down below. It is completely free and allows you to understand the process from questions to ask a lender to about home inspections, home searching, and more.

Thank you so much for watching, and I will see you in the next video.