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If you’re anything like me, the thought of purchasing your first home is enough to make you start hyperventilating. Actually, having to do any adult thing kind of freaks me out, but that’s beside the point. What I’m saying is, buying a house can seem pretty scary if you’re unsure of what you’re getting into, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 5 ways to make getting your first place less terrifying.
Get Your Finances In Order
Do A Thorough Inspection
This one is kind of a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by how many people fail to do a thorough inspection before purchasing a home. Aside from making sure there aren’t any malevolent spirits or Victorian Era ghosts hanging out in the basement, it’s also important to inspect every nook and cranny of a house to make sure there aren’t any major red flags, like a faulty foundation or a bad roof.
Check Out the Neighborhood
Coming from someone who has lived in some seriously sketchy neighborhoods, I can confidently say that I’ve developed a keen eye for telling if an area is safe. The house you’re interested in buying could be beautiful, but if Buffalo Bill lives next door, it’s probably not going to be the best move. Be sure to drive through the neighborhood during both the daytime and at night, in order to feel out the vibe. Also, if you know anybody that lives in the area, feel free to ask them how they like living there. The way they react can be very telling.
Make Friends in the Area
Like I said before, it’s important to feel out a neighborhood before you decide to purchase a house, but it’s almost equally important to network with your future neighbors. Obviously, don’t go knocking on peoples’ doors at 8 am like a girl scout, but if you see someone taking out their trash or walking their dog, offer a friendly smile and introduce yourself. You’d be surprised how far a simple “hey” can get you.
Most Importantly, Enjoy It!
Once you’ve purchased your very own place, congrats! The journey was long, but you got there. Now just sit back, relax, and enjoy your cool new house!
