5 HOUSE HUNTING HACKS FOR NEW BUYERS

So you want to buy a home and you are a first time buyer.  Where do you begin?  Here are 5 House Hunting Hacks to making your first time buying experience more productive.

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start your house hunting search.  It goes without saying that the first step is always the most important and as a first time home buyer, the most important thing to know is, How much house can I buy?  Taking the time to get pre-approved for a mortgage will narrow your field of focus for your home search.
2. Determine what are your "Must have" vs. your "Want to have".  Be honest; be realistic; and  be sensible in compiling your list of "have to haves".  An unrealistic list of "want to have" for your price range creates frustration and disappointment in the process.  What are you willing to compromise on or even scratch from your list to find the home of your dreams?
3. Research and choose a neighborhood where you want to live.  What special qualities does a particular neighborhood offer you?  Will it make for an easy commute to your place of employment?  Is there a historic pull to a style of home or neighborhood?  Is it the ease of access to shops, cultural events or a particular school?  
4. Pick a house style you love and stick with it.  Are you a little old fashion or are you more contemporary?  Do you like a ranch style home or are you a two story person?  Whatever your house style may be stick to it when searching for your ideal home.
5.Document your home visit.  Document your home visit by either taking notes regarding your overall impression of each home visited or taking photos with your cell phone or camera.  Weigh the pros and cons against your "must have" list.  Don't buy until you find the home that meets most if not all your must haves.

Make your first time house hunting experience a highly productive one by following these 5 Housing Hunting Hacks.