Let’s face it: finding a Saratoga home can be stressful. Some days it seems like no home will have all the amenities you need or the space you prefer. And just when you think you’ve found the perfect home, someone else snatches it from under you.
Though searching for a Saratoga home can be stressful, remember these four important factors and make your search a little easier.
Location Matters
When you buy a Saratoga home, you’re committing to that location for at least 10 years. That’s a long time to be staring at the same trees, sidewalk and view. If you don’t love the location of a house you love, seriously consider not buying the house.
Your location matters more if not just as much as the home. If your commute suddenly doubles when you move in, think how that will affect you in the long run. Will you want to drive for over an hour in the snow or rain? If you’re not far from your family or your kid’s school now, will you want to drive out if you move far or will the commute get old?
Know Your Needs
Some buyers get caught up in the wants rather than the needs. They want an upgraded kitchen, but what they really need is to be close to their jobs. Maybe they want a swimming pool, but they need a third bedroom. When people get caught up in their wants, they end up choosing a home that won’t make them happy.
As you search for a Saratoga home, keep a list of your needs, wants and “nopes” and avoid all properties that don’t meet your needs. This will stop you from falling in love with a home that does not work for you.
Nothing’s Over Until Closing
Though you may feel a sigh of relief after your offer has been accepted, remember that the whole house buying process isn’t over yet. There are plenty of things that could fall through, and you may not get the house. The seller’s deal on his or her new home may fall through or the home inspector may warn you against buying the home entirely.
Even if you’ve made an offer, make sure you keep in touch with your realtor at least twice a week. If there are any documents that need signing, you will need to sign them sooner rather than later.
Check Your Emotions
Some Saratoga homebuyers get emotional over the homes they look at quickly. They imagine a nursery or Christmas dinners or birthday parties in their new homes. Getting emotional also makes buyers more stressed out because they feel that there’s more on the line.
When buying a Saratoga home, it’s best to treat the whole thing like the business transaction that it is. It will help you avoid getting too attached to a property that falls through. Remember to pay attention to what the property is worth, not what the price may escalate to be.