Atlanta recently made it on a prestigious list of best places to buy a home. So, if you are considering investing in a property soon, you've made a wise decision.
But there is more to do if you want to get that dream home that's fantastic value for money and ticks the boxes of being a sound long-term investment.
To help you along the way, read on to learn about the best home-buying tips for any first-time buyer in the Atlanta real estate market.
Get to Know the Local Market Trends
Researching Atlanta's housing market will help you grab a bargain. It will also assist you during negotiations once you feel ready to make an offer on a home.
Begin by checking prices. Focus on the neighborhoods on your shortlist, and check prices for homes in that area.
Look at sale prices, too, as this will help you spot trends. You might see that a neighborhood is up and coming, and that could make it a wise investment.
Narrow Your List of Neighborhoods
Atlanta is a vast market, and you'll soon become overwhelmed with choices if you try to browse homes in any location.
It's vital you narrow your list to neighborhoods that you prefer. Sometimes, it's worth doing this in person by driving around a place to see how the different areas look.
Consider your lifestyle and how that fits with the amenities you need.
Do you need to be close to public transport for your work? Do you want an excellent elementary school near your home? Make your list of neighborhoods and put them in priority order.
Get a Pre-Approved Mortgage
Sellers will often pay the most attention to the highest offer. But that's not always so clear-cut. They need a reliable buyer, too, who won't withdraw their bid at the last minute.
It's why cash buyers are so attractive. However, you don't need cash reserves to make your position more attractive. Securing a pre-approved mortgage can be just as good.
It means you'll be ready to move, and the seller won't need to wait on your mortgage process or worry about the sale falling through.
Choose a Realtor With Local Knowledge
An experienced local realtor can often provide valuable insights during your home search. They can show you trending neighborhoods you may not have heard about and advise you on prices.
A realtor will also be able to connect you with some sought-after properties, including ones that are new to the market.
Most importantly, an experienced realtor will have excellent negotiation skills. So they can work on your behalf to get you a great deal if you fall in love with a property.
Get Your Perfect Property With These Home-Buying Tips
It's not easy to navigate a real estate market if this is your first experience of house-buying. So use these home-buying tips as your guiding light to ensure you get a house that feels like a home from day one.
Browse our list of Atlanta properties at PMI Atlanta OTP by heading here.
