Expert Tips from Notar's Realtors

Buying a home is one of life's biggest transactions, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. Sofia Andersson, an experienced realtor at the successful Solna office, shares her best tips on how to find and secure your dream home — from smart search strategies to handling bidding and contract signing with confidence. In your search for your dream home, it's valuable to keep certain things in mind.

Define Your Needs

Before you start searching for your future home, it's important to determine what you're actually looking for. A good way to figure out what matters most to you is to create a list of both "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves." This could include everything from location and size of the home to access to outdoor space or proximity to schools. Having a clear priority list helps you stay focused during your search.

Be Open to Opportunities and Compromises

While searching for your dream home, it's important not to be too rigid about certain details. Sometimes, a property that doesn't match your exact vision can still be the right fit. Be willing to explore homes that don't check every box on your "wish list."

Attend Many Showings

Explore neighborhoods, housing associations, different types of properties, and more. The more showings you attend, the more knowledge you gain about the market, but more importantly, you'll develop a clearer understanding of the type of property you're truly seeking. Showings also teach you what to expect in various price ranges and standards. When you find a property that feels right, you'll feel confident moving forward with it.

Seek Help from a Realtor

The role of the realtor has become increasingly important in property transactions. More and more sales are happening before properties hit the open market. Having a realtor who understands your situation and knows your preferences can be crucial in giving you access to homes even before they are officially listed. The realtor will also guide you through the entire process, helping to assess market value, create a bidding strategy, and set up alerts for areas of interest. This way, you'll be informed of new listings early and can act quickly.

When you find a property that feels right, it's time to take the next step in the process, i.e., submitting an offer to the seller.

Have Financing in Place Before Bidding

One of the most common pitfalls is not arranging financing in time. Contact your bank and make sure you have a loan approval ready before you start attending showings. This ensures you're ready to participate in bidding if you find something you like.

Decide Your Bidding Strategy

Participating in a bidding war can be stressful. It's helpful to decide in advance what you're willing to pay for the property. Having a plan will help you stay calm and avoid getting caught up in the moment, paying more than what's financially sustainable.

Calculate the Monthly Cost

In the end, a difference of fifty or a hundred thousand kronor in the final price doesn't make much of a difference in your monthly budget. If you find a property that feels perfect in every way but goes slightly over your initial budget, calculate the monthly cost to see the difference. Often, it's barely noticeable in your monthly expenses, and for the right property, it can be worth it!

Trust Your Gut Feeling

Your gut feeling is always right. If it tells you that you'll feel happy in this home, even if it's one of the first ones you've looked at, trust that feeling. Consider placing an offer; many regret letting a home slip away when it's sold to someone else.

With these tips in hand, you're well-prepared to find and secure your dream home. Buying a home is one of life's biggest decisions, and with the right preparation, a clear plan, and an experienced realtor by your side, you can confidently search for your next home.