This post is sponsored by Travelers Insurance; All opinions are my own.
There are a few moments in life when you actually feel like an adult. Truthfully, most of my life is spent looking around wondering if anyone can see through my 35 year old facade to the Barbie loving 12 year old underneath. One of the scariest/best moments of adulthood was when we bought our first house. It was in 2009. We found it listed as a short sale and it was in rough shape.
Thankfully we were able to look past the bad carpet and beige everything and see the potential. When we moved out 7 years later, this is what we had created. A home!
Buying a home can be downright terrifying, and for good reason. But if you’re willing to let go of all the expectations that Pinterest has created in your mind, and open your heart to a little bit of adventure, buying a new home can be downright life changing!
I’ve partnered with Travelers to share some tips for first-time home buyers, theirs are practical, mine are more pep-talky. I think you need to hear both.
Invest in an inspection.
Most banks require an inspection for financing, but even if they didn’t, I cant stress enough what a huge deal this is. An inspector knows exactly what to look for. While we tend to see finishes and floor plans inspectors look for structural issues and damage. They are worth the investment!
If you hire a realtor, make sure they are working for you!
I understand that some people aren’t interested in hiring a real estate agent, but if you choose to go that route (which we always do) find someone that understands exactly what you’re looking for. A great agent will go to bat for you and work day and night to help you find the best house available.
Travelers has allllll the practical advice (check out their tips and video here) The practical advice is SO IMPORTANT, but really I want to give you a little pep talk and some perspective.
Almost everything can be changed.
You know those couples on House Hunters that find a great house, in their budget, on the beach, with a full time nanny and all they can see is the fact that the countertops aren’t granite? DON’T BE THAT PERSON!! Location, square footage, and structural things like layout are way more important than finishes. Finishes can be changed.
Don’t try to change everything at once.
Unless you are moving into a total gut job, changes can be made over time. Just know going into it that you’ve got work to do but thats part of the fun of being a home owner!
Get the Home Warranty!
Usually when you buy a home, you are given the chance to get a warranty. When we bought our first house, thankfully we had one because our AC unit kicked the bucket just a few months after we closed. Had we not had the warranty we would’ve had to pay out of pocket for a new one.
Expect Surprises!
Stuff is going to come up. Just know that it’s going to happen and prepare as much as you can for it! (Especially if you are doing a renovation!!)
If You Are Doing Renovations, Determine Your Budget Beforehand!
One of the easiest things in the world to do during a renovation is to go over budget. If you are buying a house that you are planning on renovating, get your budget set beforehand. Budget overspill happens for a few reasons, one of them being a little phrase called guesstimation. Get your plans and bids before you close on the property, that way you know what you are in for! You can do things on a budget (like our $939 bathroom reno) but just know what you’re getting into!
Homeowners, what did you learn the first time you bought a house?
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via Mandi at Advice For New Home Buyers
