Wednesday, January 11, 2017

New Year Resolutions and Your Home Buying Process




Happy New Year! It’s a new year and we all know what that means….New Year’s resolutions!  Sure, there are the typical New Year’s resolutions like lose weight, eat healthier, travel more, stop smoking, or get a new job but, do you have a different goal in mind?  Is buying a new home on your New Year’s resolution list?  If it is, fantastic!  There are various reasons why beginning your new home search now is a great idea.

Agents are more determined than ever!  

With a few weeks of holiday lull in the real estate market, agents are more ready and eager than ever to find you a home (or sell your property).  Agents had a few weeks to reorganize their business techniques and get prepared for their new successful year.  That means that they are ready for YOU!

Don’t wait, look now!

It may seem too early for you to begin your new home search but, it’s actually a great time to get started!  If you begin now, you’ll get a better feel for the market, neighborhoods, and what it is that you’re exactly looking for.  The earlier you begin your search, the more knowledgeable become and clear on what your “must haves” are and what you are willing to be flexible on.  It’s always a great idea to get a head start on the home buying process, before the market picks up and competition rises.  Work closely and openly with your agent and let them help you throughout your home buying process.

Don’t mind the snow, selling is a go!

Don’t let snow hinder your thoughts on finding a new home and don’t let it make you think that you won’t have many options to choose from.  In reality, seller with properties for sale in the wintertime are usually more motivated than those in warmer months.  There are numerous reasons why homes go on the market and they go on the market all of the time.  You may come across the right home at the right time, but only if you look.  Sellers may be more willing to negotiate during the winter because their more motivated to sell and move on with their next step in life.  

Who likes competition, nobody!

Despite there possibly being less homes on the market during the winter, there are usually less buyers.  This is a good thing when you’re on a search for a new home.  Although there may be less homes, you only need one that suits you!  Also, with a slower market you’re more likely to get more attention and time from agents.  

Beat the rise in interest rates

In the beginning of the year, interest rates slowly begin to rise.  Be sure to lock in the lowest rate possible and get preapproved for a mortgage.

Find an Agent

Find the right agent for you.  One who can help educate you on the market and help you find just what you are looking for.  Find an agent who maintains open communication and availability.  To find an agent, search on sites like Realtor.com and Zillow.


Apart from finding a new home this year, here is a list of other great possible New Year’s resolutions:

Clean up your credit
Budget wisely
Automate your down payments
Build up your savings
Pay off debt
Get more organized
De-clutter your home
Prepare for retirement
Manage your daily spending better
Make extra mortgage payments (which can dramatically shorten the time until your mortgage will be paid in full)
Pay off your second mortgage
Refinancing your mortgage (to decrease your payment or lock in a low fixed rate)
Cut down on your energy usage to save money and to be more environmentally friendly (Try sealing and insulating your ductwork to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system)
Create a yearly budget for home improvement and maintenance (to prevent overspending and to encourage putting aside money for major replacements)
Volunteer or do more community service
Spend more time with the family (try planting a tree, having a staycation, or going to the park more often)
Get fit by doing home repairs!


  • Building a fence: 340 calories per hour
  • Interior painting: 136 calories per hour
  • Chopping firewood: 340 calories per hour
  • Mowing the lawn: 306 calories per hour
  • Planting shrubs: 238 calories per hour
(https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/houselogic-new-years-resolutions-home/)


Whatever you choose as your New Year’s resolutions, make sure that they’re ones that only aid to you and your family’s happiness and overall well-being.  Remember to enjoy your home buying process.  Be sure to find the right agent to help you reach all of your home-buying needs and desires.  Start this New Year off right.  Challenge yourself, try something new, be more optimistic, travel far and wide, love deeper, smile more, and simply love life.  Happy 2017!