Buying the home of your dreams is about more than just money, it takes careful planning and timing. Being prepared heading into your search makes life a lot easier once you’ve found a home you’d like to make an offer on. Doing your due diligence beforehand, you can make a competitive offer in the high-demand market we have locally. Avoid the below mistakes while house hunting in 2022.
Neglecting to Hire a Buyer’s Agent
Some home buyers out there don’t think they need a buyer’s agent and opt to work with the seller’s agent to facilitate the sale. This isn’t the best strategy, considering the job of the seller’s agent is to act in their best interest, not yours. An agent in your corner will guide you to homes that fit your specifications rather than trying to influence you. Select a local buyer’s agent with experience in regards to the local market, this will help you make a competitive offer without overspending for a home that isn’t worth it.
Not Getting Pre-Approved
Before seriously starting the search for a new home, it’s imperative to know how much you can afford. This will only set you up for potential disappointment. You never want to fall in love with a home or neighborhood that doesn’t quite fit your price range. A quality agent will help you obtain pre-approval from a reputable broker that will help make the purchase easy.
Settling on a Sub-Par Home
Right now, we’re in a seller’s market, meaning that home inventories are still outpacing the demand, especially in New Jersey. There are many buyers out there, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on a home that you love or settle for a home that you don’t. Demand is expected to stay high during 2022, so work with an experienced buyer’s agent to give yourself a chance at winning your dream home.
Getting Lost in the Staging
Staging helps you visualize what a home can become, but some sellers go over the top. At the end of the day, you’re going to be decorating the room the way you want it. Don’t be tricked into falling in love with the design of a room rather than the space itself. Savvy staging can cover up some of a space’s inequities or even make it feel larger.
Contact Bergen Realty Team today for help with buying your dream home in Oradell. We’re the leading local agents ready to make your purchase easy.