What to consider when searching for a home

by Susan Hu 12/11/2022

Images of houses and a telescope

Finding a home can be thrilling yet stressful. A house is one of the most significant purchases you’re likely to make, so it’s important to do everything you can to ensure a successful search. You can find the dream home accommodating all the needs of you and your household. 

If you’re interested in tips on the house hunting process, here’s some info to help:

Old vs new house construction

When house hunting, you may be considering whether a new construction or an older home would be the best fit. Typically, newer construction homes are higher in price.  However, you may save money later down the road on upkeep and repairs. 

You may be considering purchasing an older home. You may find older models of homes have some unique exterior features not seen in newer homes. For example, an older home may have unique light fixtures you find to be desirable. However, the older the materials used in the home, the more likely they will need to be replaced sooner after purchasing. 

Be realistic when searching for a home

Thoroughly examine your budget when searching for a home. It’s best not to use all of your funds towards a large down payment to show lenders you have some financial wiggle room. What things are negotiable and what things do you stand firm on?

Be prepared to offer at the current asking price or more if you want to stand above the competition during a seller’s market. If you’re purchasing a home in a buyer's market, you’ll have more flexibility when putting an offer down on a property.  

Narrowing your search

The housing market moves fast. It’s good to make a list of the characteristics you seek in a home. Consider important factors like location and size of your property. Creating a budget can help in narrowing down the type of home you can afford. 

If you are in a seller's market, you may find houses quickly move off the market. Hiring an experienced real estate agent can help you pick out the best options in a timely manner. 

Red white and purple infographic

When searching for a new home, it’s important to stay level-headed. It’s best to not rush into the homebuying process. A local real estate agent can help you explore your options to find the best home fitting your needs. 

About the Author
Author

Susan Hu

Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.

Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.

With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.