Ah, the City of St. Louis—with its iconic skyline and Missouri River views, it’s no surprise why so many people want to call this bustling metropolis home! If you’re thinking about searching for your dream home in St. Louis, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed at how challenging the process can be; after all, with hundreds of neighborhoods to choose from and an array of housing options available, choosing just one perfect place may seem impossible. But have no fear—we’ve got some tips that will help you find the absolute best fit for you and your family in no time! Read on to learn more about our top 10 must-know tricks for scoring a fantastic new home in St.Louis.
1. Define what you’re looking for in a home
Before you start searching, take some time to think about what type of home would be the best fit for your lifestyle. Consider location and size of property, desired amenities in the neighborhood, price range and other important factors. Also, think about the things you must have, for instance a garage, and the things you might be able to do without, a pool, for instance.
2. Research neighborhoods that fit your needs
When looking to move, researching neighborhoods is an important step. Soulard, Benton Park West, and St. Louis hills all make for great options in the St. Louis area. Soulard offers a rich history with its old-world architecture, restaurants and Victorian-style homes in a very walkable environment. Benton Park West is great for young professionals – it’s relatively affordable and has lots of amenities like coffee shops, gyms, and entertainment venues nearby. And finally there’s St. Louis Hills – a diverse neighborhood that features some breathtaking single-family homes on tree-lined streets. So if you’re looking to join one of these vibrant St. Louis communities, put some effort into researching Soulard, Benton Park West or St. Louis Hills – you won’t be disappointed!
3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
It is important to get pre-approved for a mortgage before starting the home buying process. A lender or approved mortgage company can help you through this step, which includes submitting your income information, providing evidence of funds available for the down payment, and obtaining loan documents such as home appraisals. Pre-approval will give buyers more negotiation power and insight into what price range home to search for during their home buying journey.
4. Start touring homes and make a list of your favorites
Touring homes is an exciting way to explore neighborhoods before deciding where to live. If you’re looking for a great place to settle down, consider Holly Hills, The Central West End, or Dogtown. These areas offer diverse entertainment options, a range of housing prices and styles, as well as plenty of recreational activities for both children and adults alike. Start exploring each area by touring the homes – some may have features you hadn’t even thought of! Make a list of your favorites so that when it comes time to decide on a new home, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
5. Ask lots of questions during your home tours
Home shopping can be both daunting and exciting, so make sure you ask lots of questions to get the most out of your home tours. Beyond whether or not the home is right for you, ask yourself how this place will fit into your lifestyle. Could you see yourself living here and feeling safe? Is there a local grocery store or some restaurants nearby? Most importantly, consider the commute time to work; after all, no one wants a laborious commute from their future home. Answering these questions now on your visit can help give you an even better sense as to whether this is the right place for you.
6. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the purchase price
You don’t have to settle for the first number you hear when shopping for a home. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the purchase price—you could end up with an affordable home that fits perfectly within your price range. Take into consideration recent trends in the housing market. If Property values have been declining recently, you may find unexpected affordability even with homes that originally seemed too expensive. You may also be able to use necessary repairs as leverage when negotiating the purchase price so it fits within your budget.
7. Hire a qualified home inspector to check for potential issues
Hiring a qualified home inspector to check for potential issues is an important part of the home-buying process. An inspector can check your foundation for any damages or cracks, assess the age and condition of your roof, review any aging systems such as plumbing and electrical wiring, and ensure that the sewer system is functioning properly. Investing in an experienced home inspector will protect your investment and provide you with peace of mind when you finally move into your new home.
8. Hire a title company to review the contract and closing documents
When buying or selling real estate, peace of mind is paramount. Hiring a knowledgeable title company to review the contract and closing documents can provide peace of mind by ensuring that all the required pieces are in place and that the transaction complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. The title company will review the mortgage agreement, which is essential to ensure that no terms have been omitted or confused, as well as other critical documents such as the deed and other legal instruments relating to ownership. Additionally, they will communicate directly with your chosen lender to make sure everything is being handled properly. In short, hiring a title company for your real estate needs is an important step for peace of mind when completing the transaction.
9. Make sure your finances are in order before closing
Before you close on your dream home, don’t take out any new debt! This means don’t buy a new car or furniture on credit. Making big purchases, such as those, could greatly affect getting the financing to purchase your home. Banks have the last word when it comes to pre-approvals for mortgages, don’t do anything that might throw a red flag into the mix and jeopardize having the funds finalized! Discipline yourself and make sure your finances are in order before sealing the deal on a home.
10. Move-in and start enjoying your new home!
Congratulations on your new home! Now that you’ve moved in, there are so many ways to start enjoying it. Take a walk around the neighborhood and introduce yourself to the people living right next door; invite them over for dinner or drinks as a way to make friends and get to know each other. Every evening, go for an after-dinner stroll down the streets of your new town, or take a bike ride to explore all its hidden gems. Whatever you do, embrace the move and make sure you take the time to enjoy your new home!
When it comes to making the right decision in real estate, Deerwood Realty can help you every step of the way. From finding the perfect home for you and your family based on your budget and needs, to negotiating on the purchase price and assessing potential issues with a qualified home inspector, to reviewing contracts and closing documents with an experienced title company – Deerwood Realty has the expertise and resources necessary to make sure you get the most out of your experience. Plus, their team of financial advisors can guide you through each step so that you make sound financial decisions when it comes time to buy. Don’t trust just anyone with such an important venture – contact Deerwood Realty today and let them help turn your dream of owning a home into a reality.
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