Buying and Selling - What You Should Know

Tips to help you get ready to buy a new home

Spring is coming and people who are considering a move are ramping up to prepare. Here are some tips to help you get ready to buy a new home.

1. Make a wish list

Determine the type of home you want, where it should be located, and the features that are a must. How many bedrooms do you need now and in the future? What do you want in your kitchen? Is the lack of closet space a deal-breaker? Create a priority list to help you evaluate priorities.

2. Do your homework

A lot of things have changed with new homes and new home construction. If you haven’t shopped for a while, you might want to learn about the best practices in new home construction for energy efficiency and safety. Find out how to identify signs of quality construction and those to signal you should run away.

3. Get pre-approved

Talk to a reputable lender to obtain mortgage pre-approval before you start shopping for a new home. You’ll learn the qualify amount you can spend on a home and can browse with peace of mind that you can afford that dream home you just fell in love with.

4. Understand your budget

Once you have mortgage pre-approval, you know how much of a home loan you can likely secure. If you’re thinking of buying a resale home, you might want to set aside money for repairs—perhaps a new roof, replacing the HVAC system, updating the kitchen, or painting the interior. Consider the age of the appliances and the cost to replace them. Don’t use up all your financial resources to buy a home and then have nothing to make it move-in ready. If you have concerns, narrow your search to new homes. They have a builder’s warranty to protect the structure, all the systems and appliances are under warranty, and you can often choose details so your new home is move-in ready.

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home

Do you need to sell your home so you can purchase a new one? Follow these tips to get your home ready to sell.

1. Purge

No matter how long you’ve lived in your home, you’ve got stashes of possessions that don’t need to make the trip to the new home. You’ll be paying movers by weight so don’t waste money on items you don’t need. Work one room at a time and sort out the items to keep, donate, and trash. Be ruthless! You should start out in your new home with a clean slate.

2. Simplify the décor

Potential buyers don’t want to see all your personal belongings, including family photos, collectibles, and your children’s artwork. Pack up those pieces to get a head start on your moving.

3. Boost the curb appeal

The first thing your prospective homebuyer sees is the front of your home. Take the time to improve the view. Pressure wash the house (including the roof), apply a fresh coat of paint to your front door, and clean up the landscaping. Place a container garden of colorful plants by the door. If you have an abundance of lawn art, remove it.

4. Make scents of the interior

You might be nose-blind to the odors in your home, especially if you have pets. Have your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned when you’re ready to start showing your home. Don’t scent rooms with candles and air fresheners that can add a heavy scent. Use an essential oil diffuser instead. As you start your search for a new home, please consider Goodall Homes. We’re a local home builder—one of the largest locally-operated builders in the Greater Nashville and Knoxville areas. Our new home communities are located throughout Gallatin, Franklin, Nolensville, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Knoxville, and Maryville. Take a look at our floor plans and selection of currently available move-in ready homes. Contact us to make the home-buying process a breeze!