The Home Buyer’s Spring Checklist
As the spring season ushers in warmer weather and blooming flowers, it also marks the beginning of a busy period in the real estate market. For some spring cleaning goes far beyond cleaning out a closet and ushers in a new beginning with a brand new home. If you are considering purchasing a home in the Kansas City area this spring, Team Blake is here to offer you some tips to help navigate the process effectively.
Work with a Local Real Estate Agent
Partnering with a local real estate agent who is familiar with the Kansas City market can be invaluable. Whether you’re relocating to Kansas City or you’ve lived here your whole life, working with a local real estate agent can provide you with valuable knowledge on your search and be your biggest advocate for finding the house of your dreams. They can provide insights, show you properties that meet your criteria, and negotiate on your behalf. Buying a new home can come with a lot of confusing real estate jargon and abbreviations. Working with a real estate group like Team Blake can help you cut through the word mess and put you back in control of your decision-making process. At the end of the day, your local real estate agent is there to help you and answer any and all questions you may have. Team Blake is here to cure any bad real estate agent woes and leave you with a home-buying experience that offers unparalleled services and lasting memories.
Stay Up-to-Date on Current Market Trends
Just as working with a local real estate agent is crucial to your home search, so is understanding the current trends in the Kansas City real estate market. Research factors such as median home prices, inventory levels, and average days on the market can help home buyers make informed decisions. Now, unless you’re a real estate agent, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a working rolodex of market trends to check back on. However, this is just another great reason to work with a trusted real estate team. The right team will keep you in the know on current trends, and potential changes, and offer advice to help guide you.
Get Your Finances in Order
Knowing where you stand financially before you start your home search is critical to the home-buying process. Knowing what you can afford allows you to think logically about your potential options and helps mitigate any potential heartbreak from the dream home that’s out of budget. For many looking at real estate, the 30% rule is a common starting point for figuring out home costs. The 30% rule suggests that you take your gross monthly income and subtract your total monthly expenses. Additionally, getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a competitive edge in a hot market like Kansas City. It shows sellers that you are a serious buyer and can afford the home, increasing your chances of having your offer accepted.
Attend Open Houses
Just as home-sellers question whether they should hold an open house, you may ask yourself “Should I attend an open house?” Team Blake is all about open houses! Visiting open houses allows you to explore different neighborhoods, check out the local amenities, and get a feel for the type of homes available in Kansas City. Open houses are a great way for buyers to figure out things like what type of floor plans they may prefer and what neighborhoods they see themselves fitting into best. It’s always important to note that photos can only tell half the story, so if you can see the house in person, we strongly encourage visiting!
Consider Home Maintenance Needs
Spring is a great time to consider home maintenance needs when purchasing a property. Look out for signs of water damage, check the condition of the roof, and ensure that the HVAC systems are functioning well. It’s important to note that not all problems can be seen during an open house and if you’re serious about putting in an offer for a home, we highly recommend a home inspection. Home inspections can give potential buyers the most informed checklist of potential issues that may soon become theirs if they choose to purchase.
Be Prepared with the Help of Team Blake
In a competitive market like Kansas City, desirable properties in popular neighborhoods can sell fast. Be ready to act quickly when you find a home that meets your criteria to avoid missing out on the opportunity. In working with a dedicated real estate team like Team Blake, you can rest assured that your calls and emails will be answered promptly to keep you competitive in a fast-moving market. By following these tips and working with a team you trust, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect home this spring. If your desire to house hunt is blooming just reading this, please contact Team Blake today!
