Kick Off the New Year With These Real Estate Tips!

Happy New Year!

We hope that 2023 is already off to a great start for you. As we begin this new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on your real estate goals and start planning for the upcoming months.

How Should I Start Planning?

While you may have quickly figured out your personal goals and resolutions, setting real estate ones can be a bit trickier. This is especially true if you’re not even sure what you want or can do in the new year. Since we know this can be a struggle for many people, we have put together a list of tips to help you get started.

1. Review Your Budget

By looking at your current financial situation, you can determine a realistic view of the kind of home you may want to purchase. Or, if you already own a home that you would like to sell, reviewing your finances will help you determine how urgent you are in selling a property. It can also help you look at what kind of home you are looking to purchase after you sell your current home.

2. Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage

If you are looking to buy in the near future, it is a great idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage asap. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford, allow you to narrow down a list of must-have traits you are looking for in a home, and will overall make the home-buying process smoother. It can also increase the chances of your offer being accepted, which can be critical, especially in a highly competitive market.

3. Consider Your Needs

While you’re looking at homes to buy, it is extremely important to examine the specifics regarding what you’re looking for in a home, such as the number of bedrooms, location, price, etc. It is always great to write out a list and then prioritize that list as you begin your property search. You also should make sure you’re thinking about your future plans. Once you have your list, it is crucial you focus on properties that meet your needs; however, sometimes people find a property that is perfect for them even if it is different from what they have envisioned. With this in mind, it is also important to stay open-minded and flexible because you never know what unexpected features or benefits you may find in a property.

4. Price It Right

For sellers, one of the main parts of beginning the selling process is to price your home. Pricing a home according to the changing market can be a daunting task, especially without a real estate professional to help. We can help you determine the exact right price for your home based on current and changing real estate market conditions.

5. Be Aware of Market Conditions

For buyers and sellers, being realistic and up-to-date about market conditions can help you set practical expectations and make informed decisions.  There are many articles and videos that explore this topic, but if you would like more information about specific questions or concerns, or even just general information please reach out to us. We can help you learn about the market with our expert knowledge and resources.

We hope these tips can get you started in your real estate journey for the new year. Thank you for reading!

Still Have Questions?

Please reach out to us! We would love to talk to you, get a coffee, explore Whatcom County, etc. Call us at 360-922-0102 and email [email protected]. Or, you can always click on our Contact page,  or the “I Want To Buy” and “What is My Home Worth” buttons on the home page.