Whether you are moving to Washington DC for a job, family, love, or something fourth, be sure that this city will treat you well. Its economy is booming and there are plenty of job openings, its healthcare and education systems are top-notch, and there are plenty of things to do on those days off.
However, before you start packing your bags, it is crucial that you buy a home first. Luckily for you, the home buying process in Washington DC can be surprisingly easy. There are a lot of real estate options to chose from here, so all you have to do is figure out what you want and pair up with a reliable real estate agent.
We are also here to help you ease this process of home buying in Washington DC. Keep on reading to see what are some useful strategies that make the home buying process easy and fast.
Prepare Yourself
Buying a home in Washington DC, or anywhere else in the world, starts with proper preparation. Of course, you can leave everything to your real estate agent and not move a finger, but do not be surprised if you end up with a home that does not suit your needs and your budget.
Instead, prepare yourself thoroughly. Start by researching the market you want to live in. Check out the city, the neighborhoods, and all the streets of your liking.
And, once you do find an area you want to live in, start thinking about your priorities. That is, think about all the things your home must have and all the things it shouldn’t.
Educate yourself about the real estate in Washington DC before you hire a real estate agent – this is something that will save you tons of time, energy, and money later on.
Know What Kind of a Home You Are Looking For
As mentioned before, one of th most important strategies of buying a home is knowing exactly what you are looking for. Do not proceed with this home buying process until you figure this out.
Washington DC has all sorts of homes to offer – there is everything from downtown studio apartments to big suburban homes on the outskirts of the city. So, what are you looking for?
Moreover, all these different types of homes come in various conditions. For instance, some are move-in-ready. So, they are a great option if you what to move in with ease and move in right away. And, some homes are fixer-uppers, some come unfurnished, etc. Again, what are you looking for?
Finally, think about the amenities you need in and around your home too. Proximity to schools, preschools, restaurants, banks, supermarkets, parks, etc. – are just some of the things you should take into consideration when thinking about your new Washington DC home.
Set Your Budget
This strategy is a no-brainer. You must set your budget before doing anything else. After all, your budget will determine what kind of a home you are looking for.
If you have some savings, great! But, if you do not, then you will have to look for money elsewhere. Doing this requires a lot of time, so be sure to start this process early. Just to give you an idea – you have to go to the bank, get your financial status checked, apply for a mortgage, gather tons of paperwork, etc.
Keep in mind that besides paying for the home, you will also have to have some money on the side for various other expenses. Those are expenses such as down payment, closing costs, real estate agent’s fees, moving expenses, home improvements and renovation costs, etc.
Buying a house can be easy as long as you have your finances straighten out. So, be sure to do that as soon as you decide that it is time for moving to Washington DC.
Pair up with a Local Real Estate Agent
In order for you to find the home of your dreams, it is necessary to pair up with an experienced, reliable, and local real estate agent. Only this kind of professional will be able to find you a home that suits all of your needs, preferences, and of course, your budget.
Thus, do your research. If you know some people from Washington DC, ask them to recommend you a real estate agency there. If you do not, turn to online researching.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you cannot find a home – hire a real estate agent. If you cannot move all by yourself – hire Excalibur Moving and Storage. Or, if you do not know how to fix your new home – hire a contractor or a designer.
Have the Home Inspected Before Buying
And, speaking of people you can hire to help you find your new dream home and move in it with ease, do not forget to hire an inspector. A home inspector is not someone who offers handyman services, but someone who can tell you whether the home you plan on buying is safe and whether there are some major renovations to be done.
Most people think that hiring a home inspector is a waste of money, but they are wrong. A home inspector will be able to save you tons of money! He or she may see the things you do not. For example, he or she can see the water the roof is leaking, whether the plumbing and electricity are in order, or whether there is mold hidden in some corners of the house.
So, do not try to cut corners on this one. It is crucial to hire a home inspector before you sign any papers. Trust us, by doing this, you will save yourself a lot of money, energy, time, and nerves.