Divorces are hard, and house hunting post-divorce only adds to the equation. Even when you know it’s for the best, the result could leave you feeling displaced and lost, especially if the other spouse kept the house and now you need to find somewhere else to live. Or, if you got the house, maybe you’re choosing not to stay because you want to build new memories. House hunting post-divorce can bring a little excitement back into your life, though. It can give you a chance to look forward and build new dreams. Here are tips to make the most of your house hunting adventure after your divorce.
Here Are Tips for House Hunting Post-Divorce
Knowing What You Want in a House
There are a lot of options you must consider prior to house hunting. Going house hunting without having some specific ideas of what you want is like entering a candy store after being deprived of sugar for days. You’ll want everything.
Perhaps the most important consideration you need to make is expense. Not only the expense of the purchase, but the expense of maintenance. If it’s a large home, the heating and cooling costs might break your budget. Look for a house that has modern features that help cut utility costs, such as clean energy. A house with the best solar panels can afford you more room.
What about the age of the home? If you’re a DYI type of person, you may find years of enjoyment in the upkeep of an older home. If you’re not, consider looking at newer homes only. While an older home often provides a lot of charm, they can also be expensive to maintain.
What type of amenities do you need? Decide whether or not you would consider a home with a pool or other outdoor water features. Again, these are areas that require added maintenance. Other amenities to consider include closet size, kitchen countertops, and the number of bathrooms. All of these features have the ability to add to the price tag of a home.
Last, imagine what life is going to be like now. If you have children, you’ll need extra bedrooms. Do you plan on entertaining? If so, an open floor plan is an attractive feature.
House Hunting for a Location
Now that you’re free to live anywhere you want, are there things that keep you tied down close to the same area? Perhaps you want to move closer to work? If your children want to remain in the same school system, it might be important to stay within that district.
If you have nothing keeping you tethered to the same area, this is your chance to make a fresh start. Moving to another city or another state to be closer to people you love, or just for a change of scenery is a viable option.
It’s something to think about, but don’t make any hasty decisions you might regret later. Picking up and moving is a lot of work and expense, especially the further away from the original home you get.
Work With an Agent While House Hunting
Working with a real estate agent can cut down the time you spend house hunting yourself. As you work with an agent, he or she will come to know your likes and dislikes. The agent can also be informed of homes that aren’t yet on the market but are going to be. This can give you an early shot at getting the perfect home before the competition has a chance.
Your agent will also work on your behalf. He or she will look out for you and make sure the deal you’re getting is in your best interest. Best of all, working with an agent won’t cost a thing until you make your home purchase, and whether you work with an agent or not, you’ll be paying the same amount of money to the listing agent. Why not get the extra helping hand?
Inspecting the House
Finally, you’ve found your dream home and you can’t wait to make an offer and get your new life started. However, there is one last step. You need to have the home inspected. While the house may look great, and it might be fairly new, there could be issues you don’t see.
Sometimes there are foundation issues. If the home you want to buy is in need of piers in order to save the integrity of the home, this is an expense you might not be willing to inherit. It’s better to know this issue before you don’t have a chance to back out.
Other issues that aren’t always apparent include termites, mold, plumbing issues and lead paint. Let an expert assess the home for you. It’s an investment well worth the expense.
Your life has changed, but you still have a future, and the future is bright. Moving into a new home is your chance to start fresh. As you prepare for the journey, start making your wish list for your dream home and let the excitement build.
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