As we approach the new year, it’s the perfect time to turn your real estate goals into reality. You can achieve your dreams of buying, selling, or investing in property with the right mindset and strategy. Here’s how you can start.
Define goals
The first step in achieving your real estate aspirations is clearly defining your goals.
Be clear: What do you want to achieve? Whether purchasing your dream home, investing in a rental, or selling, being specific about your objectives is critical. The more detailed your goal, the easier it is to create a roadmap to success. For example, a change in household size, a new job or transfer, downsizing, retirement to a warmer climate, or being close to the family are all motivations or reasons for your goal to sell your home.
Set timelines: Establish realistic deadlines for your goals. Talking to your team of real estate professionals will help you establish whether you’ll need a month, six months, or a year. Having a clear timeline will help you stay focused and motivated. Keep an active eye on new inventory coming on the market and monitor the movement of interest rates and new mortgage programs.
Create a plan
Once your goals are defined, it’s time to create a plan.
Budget wisely: Understanding your financial situation is key. Determine how much you can afford and account for expenses such as down payments, closing costs, and ongoing expenses (such as taxes, home owner association fees, heat, electricity, and maintenance.) If you’re buying, it’s critical to get pre-approved for a mortgage to simplify the process and make your offer more attractive.
Work with a local expert: A real estate agent with local expertise can provide valuable insights about the market, help you find the best deals, and guide you through the complexities, including home inspection, financing, title work, and negotiations when buying or selling.
Invest in education: Knowledge is power. Attend workshops and webinars, read articles, blogs, and books about real estate, and stay informed about market trends, financing options, and best practices. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to make wise decisions. Your real estate agent and lender will be a valuable resource for learning more about your local market.
Take action
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it’s essential for progress.
Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Drive around, research neighborhoods, talk to neighbors, tour homes, attend open houses, or prepare your current property for sale. There’s so much to consider when selling a home, decluttering, staging, painting, and minor repairs.
Network: Connecting with lenders, real estate professionals, and other buyers or sellers can provide support and open up opportunities.
Stay focused: Real estate goals can take time to achieve. Stay focused on your objectives but remain flexible to adapt to future opportunities. Follow up on the market daily using your favored website and sign up for automatic listing updates and new listings. For first-time home buyers, it’s a challenge; however, staying on top of your goals is critical. Rejection of offers is part of the process in today’s market.
Monitor progress
Tracking your progress to stay on course.
Track your milestones: Celebrate small victories, such as securing your mortgage pre-approval or finding a property that fits your needs within your budget. When selling, ask your agent for feedback from showings, how many views and saves your listing has on the various real estate websites, and how many inquiries they are getting on your property. Recognizing achievements keeps you motivated as time goes on.
Adjust your plan: The real estate market is dynamic. Be prepared to tweak your plan as new information or opportunities emerge. Be willing to venture out into more remote towns or scale down square footage requirements. If you’re selling, make sure your asking price is realistic in the current market.
Stay committed
Commitment is essential to seeing your goals through to completion.
Stay positive: Real estate transactions can be stressful, but maintaining a positive mindset will help you navigate challenges more effectively.
Seek professional help if needed: If you encounter roadblocks or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to consult your real estate agent, attorneys, contractors, or financial advisors. Their expertise can make all the difference.
The bottom line
Making your real estate goals a reality in 2025 requires planning, proactive action, and adaptability. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, a strategic approach will help you navigate the process and achieve your dreams. Start today, stay focused, and take one step at a time toward making your real estate aspirations come true. Call or email us today to get started.
•••
This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.