How to Find Your Next Home in Idaho Falls: A Guide for Relocating Families

Idaho Falls is a beautiful city located in eastern Idaho, known for its scenic beauty, vibrant community, and excellent quality of life. For families relocating to the area, finding the right home can be a daunting task. With so many neighborhoods and properties to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the key steps to finding your next home in Idaho Falls.

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET

Before you start looking for a home, it's important to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your search and find properties that are within your price range. One resource you can use to help you with this process is Highline Home Loans.

Dallin is our go-to lender at Highline Home Loans and can help you plan for the homebuying process. He can meet with you for free to help you determine your budget and get prequalified for a mortgage. Dallin can also work with you to create a financial plan that will help you get prequalified in the future.

To calculate your budget, consider your household income, expenses, and debts. You can also use online calculators to get a rough estimate of what you can afford. When setting your budget, keep in mind that your monthly mortgage payment is just one part of the equation. You'll also need to factor in other costs, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance expenses.

By working with a lender like Highline Home Loans, you can get a better understanding of your budget and what you can afford when it comes to buying a home. This will help you narrow down your search and find the right property for you and your family.

RESEARCH THE AREA

Once you have a budget in mind, it's time to research the area. Idaho Falls is a large city with a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. To find the right fit for your family, you'll need to do some research.

Start by looking at the school district. Idaho Falls is home to several excellent schools, including Idaho Falls High School, and Skyline High School. You'll also want to consider other factors, such as proximity to parks and recreational facilities, access to shopping and dining, and commute times to work.

There are several online resources you can use to research the area, including real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin. You can also reach out to local real estate agents, like Anderson Hicks Group, who can provide expert insights and advice.

CHOOSE A NEIGHBORHOOD

Choosing a neighborhood that fits your family's lifestyle and preferences is key to finding the right home in Idaho Falls. Do you want to be near certain schools for your kids? Do you want to be closer to downtown or more in the country? Do you want a newer neighborhood with fewer trees or a more established neighborhood with mature trees? What are your priorities in a neighborhood? Do you like close neighbors or do you need your space?

Idaho Falls has many great neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. Some are known for their safety and good schools, while others offer easy access to outdoor recreation or a vibrant downtown scene. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include:

• Ammon: Located just outside of Idaho Falls, Ammon is known for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and convenient access to shopping and dining.

• Old Town: This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of Idaho Falls and is known for its charming Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant downtown scene.

• Comore Loma: Located in the foothills overlooking Idaho Falls, Comore Loma offers stunning views, large lots, and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Take the time to research the neighborhoods that appeal to you, and consider visiting them in person. Walk around the neighborhood, check out the local amenities, and talk to residents to get a sense of the community. By choosing a neighborhood that meets your preferences and priorities, you'll be one step closer to finding your dream home in Idaho Falls.

FIND A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Working with a local real estate agent is essential for finding your dream home in Idaho Falls. An experienced agent can help you navigate the local market, identify properties that meet your criteria, and negotiate the best deal.

Working with the Anderson Hicks Group is a smart move for any buyer looking to find their next home in Idaho Falls. With more listings and agents on our team than any other agency in the area, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from. Our team has been serving the Idaho Falls community for over 30 years, and we have navigated the ups and downs of the real estate market with great success.

At Anderson Hicks Group, we pride ourselves on staying on top of the market and closely monitoring market shifts. This ensures that we can provide our clients with the best advice and guidance possible, no matter the current state of the market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, our team has the expertise to help you achieve your goals.

We also promise to create an exceptional experience for our clients. Our team is dedicated to making the homebuying process as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

When you work with us, you'll have an entire team in your corner, ready to provide support and assistance whenever you need it. We believe that our clients deserve the best, and we work hard to deliver an experience that you honestly can't imagine being any better.

VISIT OPEN HOUSES

Once you've narrowed down your search to a few neighborhoods and properties, it's time to start visiting open houses. Open houses are a great way to get a feel for a property and see it up close. When visiting open houses, be sure to:

• Take notes and photos

• Ask questions about the property and the neighborhood

• Observe the condition of the property and take note of any issues that may require repairs

Visiting open houses will give you a better sense of what you're looking for in a home, and will help you make a more informed decision when it comes time to make an offer.

CONSIDER THE CONDITION OF THE HOME

When looking at homes, it's important to consider the condition of the property. You'll want to look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the foundation, leaks in the roof, or outdated electrical and plumbing systems. These issues can be costly to repair, and may affect the overall value of the property.

You should also consider the layout and functionality of the home. Is the floor plan suitable for your family's needs? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Does the home have enough storage space? These are all important factors to consider when evaluating a property.

If you're not familiar with home repairs and maintenance, it's a good idea to hire a professional inspector to assess the property before making an offer.

MAKE AN OFFER

Once you've found a property that you love, it's time to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you prepare an offer that takes into account your budget, the condition of the property, and the local market conditions.

When making an offer, be prepared for negotiations. The seller may counter your offer, or ask for concessions such as repairs or closing costs. Your agent can help you navigate these negotiations and ensure that you get the best possible deal.

FINDING YOUR FAMILY HOME

Finding the perfect home in Idaho Falls is a process that requires research, planning, and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be better equipped to find a property that meets your family's needs and fits within your budget. 

Remember to work with an experienced real estate agent like the ones at the Anderson Hicks Group, who can provide expert advice and guidance throughout the home buying process. With the right resources and support, you'll be well on your way to finding your dream home in Idaho Falls.