4 Things to Consider When Looking for a New Home

House hunting can be one of the most exciting, but also the most stressful, times in your life. It is a chance to embrace new home designs, to make a major life investment and to start afresh. But buying a house also comes with major decisions and a lot of new responsibilities.

Whether you have been house hunting in Australia for a while, or you are just beginning your search for a new home in Sydney now that the New Year has come around, we’ve got some moving tips, to help make it easier for you:

1. What do my finances look like?

In order to secure a home loan and be financially smart about your purchase, you should start by taking a look at your finances. The best way to start this new chapter of life off right is to go into your new investment financially prepared.

First, take a look at your credit score. Does it need to be improved? Do you have a lot of debt looming over your name?

Next, focus on saving. You will need all the extra cash you can get for a down payment, closing costs, and any other associated costs. And as a new homeowner, you want to have a cushion should something go wrong or home improvements need to be done.

Lastly, you should avoid making big purchases that will have to be explained and might require additional documentation during the loan process.

This will also help you in your effort to save money, too.

2. Have I done my research?

You never want to go into a home search unprepared or uneducated. Especially if this is your first time, you will need to know the do’s and don’ts of the process, the features you most want in a home, and the area you’d like to be in.

Research things like crime rate, prices, schools, and commute time.

To be certain you are making the right choices, you can check out Zoom’s own moving checklist.

3. Am I ready to be realistic?

Let’s be real – you won’t be able to get every single thing you want. The house might need some work, or you might have to go a little over budget, or you might have to be a little bit outside of your desired area.

When you are doing your research and making a list of your wants and needs, be sure to be realistic with yourself about what you can and can’t afford, and the difference between what you really need and what you just want.

Of course, the goal is to get as much on your list as possible, but rank them in order of priorities so if you have to budge on something, you are already prepared for it.

4. What will my next steps be when finding a new home?

Are you already daydreaming about what it will be like once you finally find “the one?”

Even if you are just beginning your home search, you need to have your next steps in mind. That includes the logistics of the actual move. Post-closing, it will be time to look for moving services to do the heavy lifting.

Don’t let the house-hunting process overwhelm you. With a little planning, it can be the experience of a lifetime – plus if you need help with packing our movers and packers service can really help take the stress out of moving.

We’ll see you on your moving journey!