Homeowners decide to move up to a home better suited for their needs for many reasons. Whether the kids need more room to play or the dog needs a backyard to roam around in, it can seem like a daunting task. A first home is special and can be hard to leave, but moving up is exciting too! The NC Housing Finance Agency is here to help with some tips to help navigate the process with ease.
Find a Listing Agent
A listing agent is a real estate agent that represents home sellers and they can help you determine how much your current home is worth and make suggestions to increase your home’s value. Your listing agent may also sometimes work as your selling agent (the agent who helps you find a new home).
Get a Home Inspection
Getting your current home inspected can help avoid any surprises down the road and will show you any easy fixes that can be done to ensure the buyer who is interested in your home will stay interested all the way to the closing table.
Consider Your Financing Options
Listing your home and buying a new home can be a balancing act, so you’ll want to make sure you have the financial flexibility to do so. Talk to a lender about what options are available for move-up buyers to help make buying a new home more affordable.
Make a List of Needs and Wants
Having an extra room for a new baby might be a need, but a bonus room is probably a want. Whatever your needs are, write them down. Further down on the list should be wants that you would like to have, but won’t make or break your decision. By writing everything down, you can give yourself and your real estate agent a clear idea of what to expect.
Moving up to a new home is an exciting time, full of fun and possibility. The NC Housing Finance Agency helps make moving up possible through our NC Home Advantage Mortgage™, which offers down payment assistance up to 3% of the loan amount for eligible move-up buyers. Learn more today!
