5 Things to Do Before Talking to Your Realtor

Meeting with a REALTOR® can be stressful. To ease some of this stress, here are a few quick tips on things to do before talking to your REALTOR®.

Talk to Your Significant Other

It is extremely important that you and your partner are on the same page. Decide what’s important to you. If it matches your partner’s wishes, then perfect! But often, our needs and wants vary from our partner’s ideas. The best way to handle this? Communication and compromise. Sit down and write a list with your significant other. Each choose 1 or 2 things that top your list of importance. Try to focus on those things when house hunting. It will make the experience much more enjoyable for you both.

Think About Neighbourhoods

Another important thing to think about is what neighbourhood you’d like to live in. What’s important to you and your family? Check out the schools and entertainment in the area. Do you want a house close to a park? Close to family? Maybe you’re tired of your long commute and looking for a home closer to work. Take a drive around and check out a few neighbourhoods you’ve been thinking of. Talk to family and friends that live in these areas. They may be able to tell you the pros and cons that will help make your decision much easier.

Know Your Budget

This is one of the most crucial aspects when looking for a new home. By going and viewing homes way outside of your price range, you will increase your chances of being frustrated and disappointed once you walk through homes that are more in your budget. Talk to your bank and figure out what your budget constraints are. You should get pre-approved for a mortgage before talking to a REALTOR® so you know what these budget constraints will be. If you are looking to do renovations, discuss with your partner what that will look like, and do your research on what it all will cost.

Know Your Five Year Plan

When looking for a new home, it’s also important to know your 5 year plan. This will help you decide what you are really looking for in a house. Do you have growing children that will need a big back yard to run around and play? Maybe your kids are ready to leave the nest and you can look at downsizing a bit. Are you looking for more of an investment property? Or do you want a renovation project? Maybe you’re looking for a family home for the next 20 years. These are all important things to think about before looking for a home. Knowing “your plan” will help you to stick to looking at the types of homes that would be right for you and your family.

Remember to Relax

One of the most important, but often most forgotten steps you need to do is relax! Buying a house is a stressful process, and actually packing up and moving can seem impossible. Try not to get too overwhelmed. You’ll be able to think much more clearly if you are relaxed before entering this process. As long as you can communicate with a REALTOR® about what you’re looking for, they will be able to help you with the rest. Trust that your REALTOR® knows this process much more than you do. They will be able to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.