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5 Tips to Help You Buy the Perfect Home

 

If youre thinking about buying a home in Middle Tennessee this year, youre not alone but how do you know whether youre getting the best home for your needs? Check out these five tips that can help you buy the perfect place.

5 Tips to Help You Buy the Perfect Home

Buying a home is a process, and it takes a lot of work. Fortunately, you can give yourself the best shot at finding one thats perfect for you by following these five tips:

  1. Save your pennies
  2. Look at properties below your budget
  3. Be mindful of layout
  4. Stay flexible
  5. Remain calm, cool and collected

Scroll down for a closer look at each.

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Tip #1 to Find the Perfect Home: Save Your Pennies

When you're buying a home, your down payment matters. The more you can put down, the lower your monthly payments will be.

Though there are programs that enable you to buy a home with less than 20 percent down, you also need to know that your lender will most likely require you to pay for private mortgage insurance, or PMI, if you dont put your own skin in the game. PMI Can raise your monthly payments and cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. There are a few exceptions, though, such as VA loans, which don't allow lenders to force you to purchase private mortgage insurance.

Related: 7 essential tips for first-time homebuyers

Tip #2 to Find the Perfect Home: Look at Properties Below Your Budget

Many real estate agents encourage their clients to look at homes that are at least $10,000 to $20,000 below their actual price range. When you do that, you give yourself a little extra wiggle room to negotiate if you find a home you love. Additionally, you may find a home that's perfect for you in the lower price range; why borrow more when you can find your dream home for less?

Tip #3 to Find the Perfect Home: Be Mindful of Layout

Square footage isn't the only thing that matters when you are searching for your dream home. In fact, a home with less square footage than you were initially looking for maybe a better fit when it comes to layout. Remember that although size is important, your home should really fit your lifestyle and be easy to navigate.

Related: How to use your VA loan benefit to buy a home in Tennessee

Tip #4 to Find the Perfect Home: Stay Flexible

As much as we'd all like to believe it, there's no such thing as a perfect home. When youre searching for your dream home, it's in your best interest to remain flexible. That doesn't mean giving up on things you really want in your next home, but it does mean you may have to adjust as your search continues. For example, you may need to make trade-offs between certain home features, location, price and size. The best way to navigate this issue is to make a list of things you absolutely can't live without. Whether you need to have four bedrooms, a swimming pool, or a home with an easy commute to work, it's a good idea to list your must-haves; other things that aren't as important are negotiable.

Tip #5 to Find the Perfect Home: Remain Calm, Cool and Collected

Buying a home can be very stressful, especially when the market is hot and you're trying to move quickly. However, keeping your cool is essential and your real estate agent will be there with you every step of the way to make sure you're on the right track. It's important that you only make decisions you've had time to weigh properly; otherwise, you risk making choices you'll come to regret later.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Middle Tennessee?

If youre buying or selling a home in Middle Tennessee, Benchmark Realty has you covered.

Want instant notifications when a property youll love hits the market? Sign up for our hot property alerts for homes that meet your search criteria, explore featured Middle Tennessee homes for sale, or check out:

When its time to sell your home, well tell you exactly how much its worth get your free home valuation here, and then learn how we can help you sell quickly (and for the best possible profit).

Got questions? Thats why were here. Fill out the form below and well get back to you right away.

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