Are you thinking ahead to your next dream home? There are many factors to consider when beginning your home buying journey and we've broken it all down for you here! Here are the specific steps you need to take to ensure you find a home that fits your wants, needs and budget.

Find out how much your current property will likely sell for on today's market. You can do this by evaluating comparable listings of similar properties in your neighbourhood, using an online evaluation tool or having a professional realtor perform an appraisal of your home for you.

Arrange financing, so you know what you can afford. Start with evaluating your credit score and determining where you need to make a few adjustments so you will have enough funds to afford all payments associated with the purchase of a new home (i.e. down payment, closing costs, mortgage payment, etc.). It's always safe practice to get a pre-approval prior to starting your search so you're aware of your budget before you begin shopping. 

Choose an agent: Do your own research online by searching for local agents in your area. Check out the agents' websites and social media platforms and reach out to them if they appear to be a good prospect to represent you. You can also ask your friends and families for referrals, as it's unlikely they'll steer you in the wrong direction. It's important to interview agents to see who the right fit is. Be sure to choose an agent that will always have your best interests in mind, have a proven track record and a keen knowledge of the market. Remember, you'll be working closely with your agent for as long as your home is on the market, so you'll want to establish a good rapport right off the bat. 

Select neighbourhoods you'd love to live in and narrow down your prospects. Research each neighbourhood and ask yourself how it meets your lifestyle. Consider things like recreation, aesthetics, daily commutes, schools and more. Now for the fun part, it's time to explore! On the weekends, take some walking or driving tours of the neighbourhoods you're interested in to really see what they have to offer.

Decide on the type of home you want to buy. Look for a home you see yourself growing in. Most people plan to purchase a home that will suit their needs now and in the future. Remember that unless you are building a home from the ground up, it's unlikely you'll find a home that will check all your boxes. Prioritize the property features you want most, and try and be flexible even if it is a feature on an otherwise ideal home. If you tackle the house hunt with realistic expectations, then you're sure to find the right home for you!

 Make an offer designed to get the property without overpaying. Your realtor will help you come up with a reasonable and aggressive offer to bring to the table. He or she will present the offer to the seller and one of three things will happen: the seller will either accept the offer, decline the offer or counter with their own offer. A counteroffer will give your realtor room to negotiate back and forth on your behalf until you secure the deal. If the negotiation is skillfully done and all goes well, the home is yours!

As you can see, there isn't a lot of mystery in finding your next dream home. You just need to take the steps and get the professional help you need along the way. Looking for a real estate agent that can get you to the finish line? Call me today!