Blog Post

5 Tips for Finding the Home that's Right for You

Tom Sprich • Dec 05, 2018

Homes for sale in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you’re looking for a home in Grand Rapids, MI area, you’ll have many important decisions to make. This hot housing market has multiple competitively priced properties available.

With a median sale price of $175,000 and many quality homes to choose from, buyers can conveniently find the perfect homes for sale in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here are 5 useful tips to help you get started.

1. Take time to think about what you need

Many people make the mistake of rushing towards buying a home. While the real estate scene in Grand Rapids is hot and properties tend to get off the market quickly, take your time to think about what you need.

Do you prefer a condo closer to downtown or a more spacious executive home in the suburbs in the 225,000 - 300,000 range.? Are you looking for a more family-oriented neighborhood or one that is more metropolitan?

These are important decisions you’ll have to make when looking for the 'perfect' home. In fact, you should write down a list that prioritizes your must-haves and things you can do without.

2. Figure out your budget range

The next step is to figure out how much you can actually afford to spend. If you’ll be applying for a mortgage, getting pre-approved before you go out shopping is very important.

Knowing your price range will make it much easier for you to identify suitable homes for sale in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It also narrows down your choices and makes your research less time-consuming.

3. Think about specifications

With a specific budget in mind, you can now work through the details. Do you want a townhouse, a condo, or and executive home with a yard and three car garage? How large would you want your kitchen to be? How many bedrooms would you prefer? Think of all these details and use them as a guide while looking.

If you have the grit and patience, you may also consider remodeling an older home to meet your specific design preferences. Remodeling allows you to buy a cheaper home and inject some capital into it so it can come to life.

4. Research is key

While online information about homes in Grand Rapids is reliable, you’ll get an even better sense of the home you’re looking to buy by visiting its actual location.

Take some time to visit the actual neighborhood and see how it feels during the day, at night, when it’s snowing outside, etc. Are there any convenience stores nearby? What about shopping centers, movie theaters, or other local attractions that might be of interest? If you have children, how will your kids get to school in the morning? Are the neighbors friendly?

5. Have a long term plan for the property

Before you finalize a purchase on homes for sale in Grand Rapids, Michigan, consider your long-term goals. If you’re looking to start a family, prepare extra bedroom space for your future kids. If you wish to maintain a convenient space near the downtown area over the years, a downtown condo may be your best option.

Talk to a Grand Rapids Real Estate Agent at the Sprich Group about your home buying goals before embarking on hours of internet home searches. Together we can help you find your perfect next home in Grand Rapids, MI.

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