Searching for a new home can be a long and involved process and surviving the house hunt isn’t easy.
You’re bound to end up with lots of information along the way, which can easily grow to a volume that seems difficult to manage.
Staying organised can help you sift through all of this information to stay on track and make the right choice as you hunt for a new home.
Streamline your house-hunting process early with these basic tips.
1. Define your priorities
Before you start viewing properties, take the time to write down what you’re looking for in a home.
Narrow this list down to the most important features which you would consider to be non-negotiable, as well as those that would be on an ideal wish list.
This list will help keep you on track as you view properties, because you can rule out any that don’t fit the basic criteria.
2. Establish a budget
Along with a home’s must-have features, you must also have some idea of what price range you can afford.
Settle on a comfortable range to start your search, and stick to these perimeters to avoid wasting time on properties you can’t truly afford.
3. Organise information with the method that works best for you
Everyone has a different way of organising information, so you’ll want to choose the method which best suits you.
Some people are happy with handwritten notes, while others will want to download apps to sort through properties.
Creating a spreadsheet is a method that works for money, while others will want to set up file folders for each property. The most important thing is to have some sort of system in place.
4. Create a comparison checklist to bring to open houses
It’s easy to get swept up in the charming details of each home, and when you’re viewing multiple properties in a short period of time it can be difficult to remember standout features.
Bring along a checklist to each home inspection that you can fill out during or immediately after your visit.
Take notes on the property’s condition, period features, storage space, landscaping, or any other priorities that are important to you.
5. Ask to take photos
Along with your notes, it doesn’t hurt to take photos of the property as well.
You’ll need to ask permission before you do this, but most real estate agents will be happy to allow personal photos for comparison if they think it might lead to a sale.
6. List each property’s pros and cons
Once you have attended open houses and created a shortlist of potential candidates, write out a list of pros and cons.
This can help you determine if one in particular stands out from the crowd.
7. Be prepared to take action
When you’ve found a winner, you want to be able to move fast.
Arranging your finance in advance will help you get ready to make a move and avoid missing out on a property that ticks all the right boxes.
Start organising your financial information even before you begin house-hunting.
With a bit of advance preparation and a filing system that works for you, you can sort down all the options to find the right fit without losing your mind in the process.
Looking for your dream home?
Soho can help you find it. Set up your profile on Soho to find properties for sale in your favourite suburbs. But don’t just stop there, download our app to get access to more features. Just remember to shortlist or swipe left on our listings so we can send you others that better match what you’re looking for.
