5 Tips for Buying a Home

Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

Get your finances in order.

Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Contact us so we can put you in touch with a lender early and have an accurate credit report pulled. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, work with a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This is necessary before looking for homes so we can make sure of your budget and any requirements for the type of financing you will be obtaining.

Find a house you can afford.

A lot of buyers make the mistake of looking at properties outside their price range and getting disappointed. It is important to work with your realtor and lender to make sure you are staying in budget so that home ownership helps towards your overall net worth and doesn’t become a burden. Don’t forget, too, that there are lots of considerations beyond the sticker price, including property taxes, energy costs, etc.

Hire a professional.

While the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can’t pick up from surfing the web. That’s why you’re better off using a professional agent than going it alone. It is always best to recruit an exclusive buyer agent, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the buying process. Don’t forget, buyer’s agents are essential when building a home as well. The site agent at the model home represents the best interest of their client, the builder.

Think long term.

Always think about what your life looks like now and in the future. The average homeowner stays in their house for seven years. It is also important to think of who will be the next buyer for the house your choosing and make sure that the house your buying would meet their criteria as well. It is always important to think resale and listen to the advice of your realtor for future sale-ability of the house you are considering.