Do you dream of moving day? Breathing a sigh of relief as you put that last box down and sit back to admire your new home?
That goal can sometimes seem a million miles away when you’re just starting out on your search. Yes, there are a few steps to take before you get there, but luckily there are products and services out there that can help make things as smooth as possible and move you closer to moving day.
We've rounded up a few tools that can help you at different stages of the homebuying process.
House hunting apps and websites can help you see what’s out there
Exploring what’s available can be a fun part of a house searching. Who knows, your dream home might just be among them. But there are only so many hours in a day and with so many properties to look through, the initial excitement of the search can turn to overwhelm. That’s where real estate websites and apps come in. Websites and apps like Zillow, and Trulia let you browse homes for sale in your area and get an idea of what's available. You can filter based on your budget and desired features (like number of bedrooms). You can also use these websites to get an estimate of how much you can afford to spend on a home based on your income, credit score, and other financial factors.
Virtual tours bring the property search to you
Once you've identified some places that you're interested in, the next step is to a look inside. Virtual tours let you do that online without having to leave your own home. Virtual tours are a great way to see if a property meets your needs without wasting too much time or effort. Many real estate agencies and house hunting apps offer this option nowadays. If a property captures your heart online then you can book an in-person viewing to see the real thing.
See what you can afford with online mortgage calculators
One of the most important steps in the homebuying process is to figure out how much you can afford to spend on your new home. This is where a mortgage calculator can come in useful. Enter your income, debt, and other financial information and the calculator will give an estimate of how much you can afford to borrow for a mortgage. That way you can stick to looking for homes within your price range.
Streamline the mortgage process by applying online
After figuring out how much you can afford to spend on a home, the next step is to apply for a mortgage. Many traditional and digital mortgage lenders now offer online mortgage applications, which can save you time and make the process more convenient. You can upload documents and complete the application process on your computer or phone. Learn more about digital mortgages in our guide.
If you would prefer support to find the right mortgage lender working with a mortgage broker might be a good option for you.
Use moving apps to keep everything in one place
When you've found your perfect place and you're ready to move in moving apps like MoveAdvisor and can make the process easier by helping you organize your move, create a moving checklist, and find local moving services. Some can also help you track your expenses and stay within your budget.
Keep things under control with organization apps
Even if you don't need a dedicated moving app, the whole house moving process involves planning, planning and more planning. So much so that it can become overwhelming. So any apps that you think could help you keep things organized, like todoist, Sortly or a notes app, are worth considering.
Read reviews to find reliable service providers
You know by now that there's a lot to think about during the homebuying process. And on top of all that, you need to put your trust in a ton of different companies. To ensure you're working with reliable and trustworthy professionals, don't forget to read online reviews to learn how other people viewed working with different providers. That way you can make informed decisions and reduce the chance of having a negative experience.
By using these tools, services, and products, you can help make the homebuying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you're using virtual tours to find your dream home or streamlining the moving process, now you know there are a variety of options available to help you navigate this life-changing experience. Happy house hunting!
Trustpilot is a review platform that is open to all. The companies and profile pages referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not recommended, endorsed by, or representative of the views of Trustpilot. The Trustpilot companies linked in this post are expected to abide by Trustpilot’s Guidelines, but have not been reviewed for compliance.
