Thinking about finding a home in Kalispell, Montana? You’re not the only one eager to discover the beautiful treasures of this stunning city.
In fact, there are 8,945 households in Kalispell. 55.4% of them are owner-occupied.
Are you eager to own a home in Kalispell? Before you can, you need to find the right fit for you and your family. That way, you can enjoy your new home sweet home and know you’ve found the perfect spot where you and your loved ones can grow.
Keep reading to discover our top tips for finding the right home for you and yours!
With these tips, you can narrow down the homes for sale in Kalispell until you find the perfect match.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
The first step for any easy home search is to know what you’re looking for ahead of time.
What are your priorities? Are you looking for a sleek, modern kitchen, or a home that’s all about the craftsmanship? Work with your loved one to make a list of your must-have items versus the items you want to have.
Knowing your priorities can help narrow down your search.
Otherwise, you might as well tour every home in Kalispell!
Understand the realities of owning a single-family home as well. For example, you’ll have plenty of privacy and freedom. This is great if you have kids or pets, especially if they’ll want space to run around in the yard.
However, an older home might mean a lot of maintenance projects.
Do you have the time to fix up an older home? If not, you might want to search for newer homes on the market. Check out these benefits of buying brand new houses in Kalispell if you’re unsure!
Understanding what you’re looking for ahead of time will save you a lot of time in the long run.
2. Research
Once you have your list of priorities, start researching the area. Do you want to live uptown, downtown, in the suburbs, or a more secluded spot? Before you can find the perfect home in Kalispell, it helps to know where you want to live.
For example, you might want easy access to Flathead Lake; the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. If your family loves outdoor sports, this area is ideal for you. You can go jet skiing, canoeing, or simply enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Maybe you’d rather stay close to the city for work. There are lots of job opportunities in Kalispell, so you might want to consider the commute.
Whether you’re close to nature or in the city, there’s natural beauty everywhere you turn in Kalispell.
If researching online isn’t giving you a good idea of the area, spend a weekend exploring. Learn about the area and consider if you’re ready to call it home.
3. Know Your Finances
Before you start narrowing down your list, getting pre-approved can help streamline the process. Get your finances in order first. This includes your credit report and credit score.
Make sure to pay your bills on time!
Then, gather your proof of income, such as pay stubs and W2s.
Then, determine the funds you have available. This can help you determine how much you can spend on the down payment and closing costs.
4. Build Your Budget
The median property value in Kalispell, MT was $205,500 in 2017. That’s 0.895 times smaller than the national average, which is at $229,700.
Understanding the current property value can help you determine your budget.
Once you get pre-approved, determine what you’re likely to qualify for. Then, set a price range for yourself. Make sure you can afford your mortgage for the long-term.
Otherwise, your new house might feel like more of a burden than a home.
Try to make sure your monthly housing expenses don’t exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
5. Plan Ahead
As you start your search, you might find a home that works for you now. However, will it fit for you and your family in the future?
Try to plan ahead. Imagine living in the same home for the next five to seven years. You might have enough room for everyone now, but what if your family grows in the next two years?
Make sure to give yourself room to grow.
Planning for the future can help you pay down the mortgage and build equity as well.
6. Consider the Flaws
Every home you visit is likely to have a few flaws. However, that shouldn’t keep it from becoming your perfect home.
Try to see past minor cosmetic blemishes. Instead, look at the home’s bones. You can always update the paint or kitchen cabinets to fit your smile.
With a little care, those flaws can help you customize your home so it meets your goals.
7. Look More Than Once
You might feel like you’ve found the perfect home in Kalispell. Maybe you have! Before you make a definite decision, however, revisit the same home a second time.
Visit the house and neighborhood at different times and days.
For example, the neighborhood might be rowdy and loud at night. Meanwhile, you might get stuck in traffic if you visit it during the week.
8. Explore the Neighborhood
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, explore the neighborhood. Is there a shopping center nearby? What about your favorite takeout cuisines?
Drive or walk around. Make sure you feel comfortable and safe. Otherwise, you might want to find a different area.
9. Request a Home Inspection
Even if the house looks perfect, get a home inspection by a licensed home inspector. They can pinpoint any potential (costly) problems you didn’t realize before. That way, you can avoid unwanted surprises down the road.
10. Remain Flexible
Remember that list you made earlier? You might not find a home that meets every item on your list.
In some cases, you’ll want to remain flexible. Reman willing to compromise and you’ll find the home of your dreams!
Kalispell, Sweet Kalispell: 10 Tips for Finding Your Dream Home in Kalispell, Montana
Make sweet Kalispell your new home! With these 10 tips, you can find your dream home in Kalispell, MT with ease!
Ready to explore the neighborhood? Take a look at our new homes today.