Moving can be stressful, but proper planning can make it easier. Counts Real Estate has some tips if you are getting ready to move in the new year.

Checklist For Moving in 2023

Whether you are moving across town or the country, you will want to make a plan for pre- and during moving day. These tips cover the home-buying process as well as moving day. 

1. Home Wants and Needs Checklist

The home-buying process can take some time. Viewing homes for sale in the Panama City Beach area, completing necessary inspections, and getting to the closing table may take weeks or even months. Before you start looking at homes, make a checklist of your wants and needs within a home. Consider things like: 

• How Many Bedrooms and Bathrooms You Need
• Square Footage
• Desired Location
• Price Range
• Specific Features

This list will help your Counts Real Estate agent narrow down homes for you to view, so they fit best with your list. 

2. Do Your Research

You will certainly want to talk to a real estate expert, but you can also research mortgage loan rates and figure out what type of loan you may qualify for. 

Other things to search online are school districts, city amenities, and traffic expectations.

3. Set Aside Downpayments

If you have been considering moving for a while, you may already have money in a savings account to put toward a down payment. This will likely be all out of pocket if you are a new home buyer. If you are selling your existing home, you may be expecting money from the sale to go towards a down payment. You will need to determine how much you need to set aside and what you expect from a sale. 

Remember that all money must be accounted for in a bank account. Large cash amounts will need to be put into an account and noted how you came about the money. Any gifted money must also be noted.

4. Meet With A Counts Real Estate Agent

Talk with a Counts Real Estate agent when you are ready to view houses. Your agent can show houses in the areas you are interested in that best fit your budget and needs. They may also show you homes in nearby areas that fit your needs but are a little out of your desired location. The perk may be that these other locations have lower-priced or larger homes for the same price. 

5. Decide On A New Home

You may view tons of homes, and you may only view three or four before deciding on your next home. Let your agent know as soon as possible about your decision, so they can start the process of submitting an offer. Once an offer is submitted, a whole different process starts to either negotiate a price or begin the buying process to get to closing.

Home Buying With Counts Real Estate

When you’re ready to move to or around the Florida Panhandle, contact the experts at Counts Real Estate. We have office locations on 30A, in Inlet Beach, Panama City Beach, and Panama City. We make it easy to view featured homes for sale and get in touch with an agent.

From start to finish, our team will help you into your next Florida dream home, and remember — Experience Counts!