After years of apartment dwelling, you’re finally ready to start searching for a home. This journey can be filled with excitement and uncertainty since it may be the biggest investment of your life. Before you start checking out houses for sale, home inspection specialists recommend keeping the following do’s and don’ts in mind.

Do:

Determine what you can afford and stick to that amount.

It’s easy to rationalize affording that beautiful, two-story home for sale. But when potential buyers take a hard look at their salary and other bills, then add a monthly mortgage payment, reality starts to set in. Get pre-approved with a home loan lender first. They will tell you what you can afford based on your income, debt, and credit.

Arrange to have the house inspected.

Some eager sellers are likely to do cosmetic work to make a house look appealing. Unfortunately, problems could be lurking elsewhere with electrical wiring and plumbing. Take the time to arrange for a professional home inspection. This careful assessment will uncover issues that could become costly headaches later. Also, invest in an environmental report to identify whether a home is located in a contaminated area.

Research comparable homes in the same neighborhood.

Compare home prices to determine if the one you’re eyeing is overpriced. Houses in the same neighborhood will generally fall within a similar price range. You can use the comparisons as leverage to negotiate for a lower price with the seller.

Don’t:

Buy a house with add-ons you don’t need.

Make a list of preferred needs such as a garage or a laundry room. Try to avoid glitzy amenities such as customized kitchens or swimming pools. These additions will inflate a home’s cost and monthly mortgage payment.

Ignore signs of mold and other damage.

Some homes are considered fixer-uppers because they’ll require more time and money to get into good condition. But water leaks, mold, and rotting wood can mask bigger structural problems. A professional home inspection is designed to uncover the possible sources of these scenarios. Be prepared to walk away if the seller is not willing to pay for the repairs.

Make large purchases on other items.

If you’re shopping for a home, avoid buying big-ticket items like cars. When it’s time to start the financing process, lenders prefer to see borrowers with a balanced debt to income ratio. Large purchases may overextend how much you can pay towards a monthly mortgage payment.

With a bit of homework, the home buying process can be less stressful. Inspect Hawaii in Honolulu continues to make the search more productive with their detailed home inspection reports. The team of licensed and experienced inspectors uses high-tech equipment such as infrared scans and drones to conduct top to bottom assessments. If you’re in the market for a new home, call (808) 330-2302 to schedule an inspection today. Visit the website for information on the firm’s full suite of services.