For many Americans, buying a home is the biggest investment they will ever make. There are countless factors that go into making this life-changing decision, such as household income, credit score, interest rates, and more. The preparation can seem endless, but when compared to Atlanta’s rising rental rates, buying often makes more financial sense. The following are four of the most important things to consider before making your first investment on a property.
Atlanta has an extremely diverse housing market, and if you’re not sure what exactly you want to start looking for, it can be easy to get lost in all the options.
The Future – While life can sometimes take you down an unexpected path, buying a home with your future in mind is of the utmost importance. First, you’ll want to ask yourself if you are comfortable living in the home for at least five years; if you believe you may want to move before then, sticking with a rental property will benefit you more in the long run. If you’re single and plan to stay that way, a one- to two-bedroom property may be the most logical option. If you’re planning on getting married or starting a family, you may want to aim for a slightly larger home.
The Neighborhood – Before finalizing any decisions on a new home, do your best to research the surrounding neighborhood as much as you possibly can. Even better, if you’re able, take a look around for yourself and explore what the area has to offer. Whether you enjoy attending events like local farmer’s markets or community fairs, or you want to find the safest area with the best schools for your children, or you’d just like to be as close as possible to the city’s blooming nightlife, you’ll want to make sure you’re fully aware of everything your neighborhood has to offer before you commit to living there for years to come.
What You Want – Atlanta has an extremely diverse housing market, and if you’re not sure what exactly you want to start looking for, it can be easy to get lost in all the options. Take some time to narrow down your wants and needs to make the search a bit simpler. If you spend a considerable amount of time working from home, you may decide that a home office is a necessity. If you enjoy hosting visitors for the holidays, perhaps you’ll need a larger kitchen and plentiful guest bedrooms. Whatever home you dream of, we can assure you that Atlanta has got something to please everyone.
What You Can Afford – Now that you have an understanding of your desires, The Regan Maki Team can step in. Our seasoned professionals are ready and eager to assist you in finding that dream home that still exists within your budget. From helping you navigate home inspections to protecting your interests during negotiations, our trusted realtors are here to ensure you get the absolute most out of your investment. We know buying your first home can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Contact us today to get started finding your new home!
