Augusta, Georgia, has a lot to offer potential homebuyers. It has a bustling economy, excellent job market, and music-centric arts scene — not to mention beautiful weather year-round, mountains and beaches within reach, and the Masters Golf Tournament each spring.
Located near the South Carolina border, Augusta is home to museums like The Augusta Museum of History, The Morris Museum of Art, and the famed Augusta Riverwalk. Additionally, there are countless dining and entertainment opportunities, outdoor recreation, and historic sites. Now that you've seen the city, you must be eager to get started searching for your new home! Read on for helpful tips as you search for your ideal piece of Augusta, Georgia, real estate.
First things first, figure out your finances
The first thing on your to-do list before you start searching for a home should be to assess your finances. You'll want to determine your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and the amount you can secure for a downpayment. Take care of any outstanding debts that can negatively affect your credit score.
Next, research your local financial institutions to decide which will be best for you to secure pre-approval for a mortgage loan. A pre-approval for a mortgage loan will give you a solid idea of your purchasing power when searching for a home.
Rely on an experienced Augusta realtor
Your realtor is your go-to for all things real estate related when buying a new house. You'll want to shop around, ask for recommendations, and meet with potential real estate agents to decide on someone who is the best fit for you.
A listing agent will help you with all aspects of listing the current home that you live in, while a buying agent will help you with all aspects of purchasing a house. Many realtors act as buying and selling agents, which can be an asset in many situations. In addition, you'll want a realtor who is knowledgeable about the Augusta area and has strong connections with mortgage brokers and closing attorneys. Working with an Augusta realtor with the right connections and skills will make your transactions go smoothly and less stressful.
Visit the neighborhoods
When you're looking for a new home, location is critical. There are a myriad of desirable neighborhoods in Augusta, each with an abundance of perks. The neighborhood you choose is like an extension of your home, and you will become part of the larger community that your home exists in.
Tour the city and determine the areas that appeal most to you. Consider what is important to you and your family: proximity to schools, shopping, public parks, downtown nightlife, restaurants, arts, culture, or outdoor recreation. Explore the neighborhoods that fit your criteria with your realtor to help narrow the search for the perfect home.
Take a close look at the whole property
You may find a house that suits your needs, with the right number of bedrooms, a chef's kitchen, and a home theater, only to find that the lot it sits on is the size of a postage stamp. If outdoor entertaining is part of your lifestyle, you want to look at the size of the lot your house is sitting on.
Property age also makes a difference when you're considering purchasing a home. An older home may have more character, but require more upkeep and costly repairs than a newer building.
Finally, ensure the houses you're looking at appeal to you aesthetically. Whether you envision relaxing in a rocking chair on the front porch or having a back deck to grill and gather, the home's structure should come into play.
Make a list of essential features
When you search for your new home, sit down and list the features you want in order of importance. That way, when your realtor suggests listings, they have a picture of the specifics you are looking for, which will help narrow the search.
Consider creating two categories: "must haves" and "wants." This way, your realtor will clearly know what is most important to you. Be specific regarding the number of bedrooms, the size and style of the kitchen and dining areas, living spaces, the number of bathrooms, appliances, storage areas, and yard space.
Consider factors that are unique to your lifestyle
Whether you're a young professional looking for a trendy neighborhood, or an established family with growing children, you will want to consider certain aspects of the area. Think about things such as the quality of nearby schools, the proximity of your job to your home, access to dog parks and nature trails, and more.
Take a detailed look at related costs
When searching for a home, your head is wrapped up with bedroom-to-bathroom ratios, kitchen appliances, and curb appeal. It is also essential to consider the cost of upkeep on your new home. Be aware of HOA fees, property taxes, insurance premiums, interest rates, and utility costs. Have an expert look at the heating and cooling system and consider innovative features like home security, energy-efficient windows, and solar panels.
Have fun
Finding that perfect piece of Augusta, Georgia real estate can be seamless and stress-free when working with a dependable and knowledgeable local realtor. Take the time to enjoy the process. There are a lot of beautiful homes to look at! Augusta is a vibrant city full of hidden gems and local favorites, and as the third largest city in the state, it has been named one of the best cities to live in in Georgia!
Your time is now
After falling in love with the city of Augusta, you're ready to move on to finding that new home! First, you'll want to choose an experienced and trusted Augusta realtor like Jenny Reville. Reach out today to get started on your dream!
