What is up, lovies?!

Today, we’re doing a super #extra post about me being a know it all about houses…and what I’ve learned being in about 100 of them to finally find a house that I was cool with.

I’m also posting a vid about this as well to connect the two, but since my camera died, I figured I would just write this first!

When you’re looking for a house, you need to make sure that you aren’t stretching your budget– and you are able to afford your mortgage, but all of your extra bills as well– phone, gas, car, water…etc. But, there’s a whole vid on that attached here.

On to the fun stuff– finding your absolutely perf house. It’s not easy, and anyone who says it is, must be on some damn drugs–because even apartment hunting isn’t easy, so don’t listen to them, and they’re psychos. Not only that, but it’s frustrating, irritating, and heartbreaking all at the same time. Honestly, live at your parent’s for the rest of your life– it’s easier. #jkdont

When you finally think about buying that house, think about what kind of house you are willing to transform, or not transform! Turn-key, new construction, or fixer upper are all viable options when it comes to what is best for YOU. Yes, your parents may say that a turn-key is more practical, but honey– we’re livin’ on a budget, and I like to keep my electricity on…partially because I’m afraid of the dark.

Depending on which route you go, there’s a guarantee that you will need to take a look at some stats– school ratings, taxes, crime rates, is it far from work?, and take a look at Megan’s law websites as well. It’s useful and smart, too! After you do all your research, get out and drive! Go over to that neighborhood! No one is going to be wondering why you’re there (unless you have really nosy neighbors in some watch group) (they literally have nothing to do)

Anywhos, go there! Drive through the blocks and take pictures (ok, that might get weird) but take some observations: are the streets dirty?, are there a lot of parks?, where are the schools?, how are people taking care of their homes?, what are the traffic patterns like? Make sure that you aren’t passing over stuff. Like, oh, no there’s a fight outside someone’s house…yea I’m not going to live there, thanks. (Experiences make the best blog posts, right?)

Next on your to-do list is: Make a Wish List!

Make a wish list with your must- haves and your must- have nots. Need two bathrooms? Write it down. Need an office for your huge dream of being insta-famous? Write that down too. Don’t want a basement? Put it down. This way, you aren’t wasting your time on houses that A) have no office B) Have one bathroom and C) Have dark and scary basements! Yes, it’s okay to bend on some of your must- haves…but sometimes you just know…and that’s okay too.

Up Next: Find Some Houses!

Use apps and websites like realtor.com and zillow too! You will discover which one you like more, and sometimes one is more updated than another. Your realtor should be finding you houses, but do some of the leg work on a boring Friday night…search in zip codes that you’ve been driving around in…look at pictures and send some e-mails with addresses to your realtor. The one main rule: Don’t contact the selling realtor without stating that you are represented. Just don’t 🙂

So, the next step is going in and finding some fun houses to potentially buy! But, that’s a whole other story for another time! Make sure to take it easy and not be too stressed about the process…you will eventually find a house– either a month from now–or a year…either way, it’s okay! Don’t be to hard on yourself if you have high standards! You don’t want to be stuck in a house that you regret– and you def. don’t want to be in a house that you can’t sell because of all the issues!

Anyway, don’t be a psycho…because I’m enough of one for both of us. Be chill, go with the flow, and if you’re looking for a house– listen to your realtor…but most importantly, go with your gut. Mine is huge, so that’s why I go with it so much.

Love you, mean it.

K

I’m stating that I’m not at all a professional realtor– so my opinions are just that…not professional.  🙂