5 Must-Do’s Before Buying a House

If you’re ready to begin the journey of home-ownership, it is important to cross a few items off of your to-do list before hunting for the perfect house. Buying a home is a process, and you want to be as prepared as possible. Here are a few steps to take that will get you ready to buy a home.

These are a few steps to consider after you contact me, your trusted Realtor!  I also have a team of vendors that I work closely with to guarantee a smooth transaction from beginning to end. Even with the first steps! Contact me now and I will get you in touch with them.

1. Get your money straight.

Depending on your credit situation – a year to six months before you begin the buying process, have your lender pull your credit. This will give you insight into what you expect and what you may need to mend before you can make the purchase that you want to. Your lender will be able to let you know what you qualify for based on your income at the time so that you can look for homes within your price range when the time comes. This lender can also provide the very important “Pre-Approval” letter that is required when submitting an offer.  It helps you to stand out and confirm you are a strong buyer in a tough market and in this market most sellers require it.

2. Decide where you are willing to stay a while.

A home is a commitment. You can always resell, but with the transaction fees that come along with buying a home, you may end up losing equity if you try to sell your home quickly after buying it. If you don’t think the home is somewhere you can see yourself for several years, keep looking.

3. Don’t hesitate to take your time.

There is a lot more to the purchasing process than just buying a home. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of a home that you are considering buying. How is the neighborhood? Will the long commute be overwhelming in 6 months? Make sure you’ve considered the aspects of what makes up your day-to-day life and how your new home will help or hurt that process. These are important decision to make before you even start shopping.  It is best to know what works for you and your family.

4. Know the difference between your dream home and a fantasy home.

Being realistic is a key part of making the home buying process easier on you. Your agent will work hard to make your deal the best it can be, but when it comes down to it, you will usually get what you pay for. Major discounts typically mean you will have work to do, and that doesn’t necessarily mean a steal for you. Be realistic during your search and keep in mind that the perfect home might not be out there, but that doesn’t mean that your dream home isn’t.

So after you take the first and most important step-CALL ME- I can help you move in to your Dream Home!