Are you ready to buy a new home in Green Bay Wisconsin? If so, you’re probably experiencing a wide range of emotions. We’re guessing you’re simultaneously excited and nervous, joyful and apprehensive.
Despite all the hurdles that come with buying a new house, the experience is generally a positive one. After all, you’re buying a house in which to build a new life (or continue building onto the one you’ve already established).
But before you start househunting, there are a few things you need to consider. Learn all about them in our home buying checklist.
Know Your Finances and Loan Eligibility
First, you need to know where you sit financially. Let’s start with your loan eligibility. Do you know how big of a loan you can get approved for?
Talk to your bank and other lenders to get preapproved for a mortgage. Your preapproval rating will dictate what price range you should be shopping under, as well as what interest rates to expect.
However, you also need to look at the other costs associated with buying and owning a home. These include:
- Closing costs
- Realtor fees
- Insurance
- Property taxes
- The costs of living in Green Bay, WI
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Utilities and services
- HOA fees
- And more
Make sure you take these extra expenses into account before placing an offer on a home.
Identify the Best Location
Next, let’s talk about finding the perfect neighborhood when moving to Green Bay. This is essential in our home buying checklist because the location of your home will impact many aspects of your new life, such as:
- The cost of housing
- School districts
- Safety and security
- Commute times
- Local amenities
- Home equity
- Coding laws
- And more
Therefore, when looking at Green Bay homes for sale, make sure you find the best location based on your family, lifestyle, budget, and future plans.
Define Your Priorities
Aside from your dream location, there are other priorities we need to discuss in our home buying checklist. What are the most important features you’re looking for in a home? What are the non-negotiables?
Here are some things to think about:
- Lot size
- Outdoor features
- House footprint and total square footage
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Recent updates and renovations
- Etc.
While some things are changeable once you move in, you might prefer a home that’s already the way you want it. This would mean less work and less money spent on renovations.
Work With a Real Estate Agent to Help You Find the Perfect Home
Finally, when looking for homes for sale in Green Bay, WI, we highly recommend working with an experienced local real estate agent. While you can potentially save money by buying a home without an agent, their services are highly valuable.
They have access to all the local listings. Realtors can get you inside homes for tours and ensure your offer is seen immediately by the seller. Just as importantly, if you’re moving to Green Bay, they have important insight into the local neighborhoods and school districts.
Furthermore, realtors have experience in the art of negotiation, which means they will be able to get the best deal possible for your new home. If this part of our home buying checklist is resonating with you, go to https://www.househuntersofgreenbay.com/ to find a list of qualified agents.
Have You Covered Everything on Our Home Buying Checklist?
If you’re planning on buying a house in Green Bay, be sure to check off everything on our home buying checklist. Take your time to find the best possible house for you, your family, and your lifestyle.
And if you’re looking for more house hunting tips or homeowner advice, you’re in the right place. Read through some of our other blog articles before you go to find all the information you need.