Are you in the market for a new home? House hunting is always an exciting yet dizzying process. Finding the right home for you and your family to move into takes time. So when is the
perfect time to start looking for a different home if you are under a lease?

Timeline

First, know when you want to shift homes. Identifying the timeline you need is the first thing you should do. Many rentals require a 30-60-day notice if you don’t plan on renewing your current lease. Usually, your landlord will send your updated lease documents within 90 days of the end term. These documents will include information on updated terms in your lease, such as monthly rent increases if they exist.

You can begin the hunt as soon as you’ve identified your move-in date. Typically, two months is enough time to scour through potential homes. However, depending on your type of person, this may seem insufficient or take up too much time. Starting the search early can relieve a lot of stress, and give you time to ensure all your “ducks are in a row”.

Prioritize

When the two-month timeline begins, you want to start checking out different locations that are more convenient to you. Whether it’s closer to work, the bus, or closer to friends and family, you can start listing out your wants and needs to narrow down your preferred location. This is why giving yourself enough time to hunt can be very important.

Prepare

Think about your budget and arrange your finances so that you will have any necessary funds to move once the time comes. In the rental market, houses tend to go fast, so it is best to use available rental properties as a guideline to current prices and down payments. Begin your search by narrowing down floor plans, amenities, or locations you want to prioritize. Amenities such as parking space, laundry, dishwasher, basements, yard, etc., can easily become necessities, so knowing what is available beforehand is good.

30 Days Away

The time is nearing! This means you should have your funds ready for any down payments needed. You’ve arranged to begin packing and moving your belongings, which is undoubtedly the biggest hurdle. Now comes the true house hunt. You’ve checked out potential areas, see current rates and down payments, and at this point, you should know what kind of home you seek. It’s time to dive into the lists and lists of rental properties to find your next dream home. You can begin scheduling showings or walkthroughs once you have potential fits for your needs. This is a great time to see what this new home can provide.

Ask Around

During these 30 days, you can familiarize yourself with the neighborhood by asking current neighbors and residents about it. Remember that as soon as units start
to become available, you should be ready with all the necessary paperwork to submit your application immediately to secure the home.

In general the best time to look for a home is during winter, this is because most renters prefer not to deal with moving in cold unpredictable weather.

Another tip to remember is how soon you can move into your new home after signing the lease. This depends on the availability of the unit. Confirm your move-in date with your new
landlord and provide sufficient notice before vacating your current rental.