Before Touring Homes.
1. Hire a local real estate expert
One of the biggest advantages you can create for yourself is hiring a real estate agent who specializes in the area you want to buy. Local experts will know more about the neighborhoods, schools, city requirements and community than anyone else.
2. Select a lender
A lender is the person or company who will be loaning you the majority of money needed to buy your house. If you are not paying cash for your new home, you will need to be approved for a loan. It’s important that you use a lender who is familiar with the type of property you hope to buy and provides the type of loan that fits your needs.
3. Get pre-approved
A pre-approval letter is a document provided to a buyer by a lender, stating how much money they are willing to loan for a property. A pre-approval letter does not mean your loan is approved but it gives buyers a good idea of how much they can borrow. A pre-approval also gives sellers confidence that you are a qualified buyer.
4. Set buying priorities
Buying a home is a big purchase, you want to make sure you are happy with the home you ultimately buy. It’s key to communicate to your agent what is most important to you in a new home. What must your new house have and what are the “dealbreakers”. The more information you give your agent, the better chance you have of finding your perfect home.
5. Develop a showing plan
Talk with your agent about how quickly you would like to find your next home, when you are available to see homes, and what the best way to communicate throughout the process is. A detailed showing plan and list of priorities will allow your agent to set up searches and quickly identify homes that meet your needs.
Free Consultation
Buying a home can feel like a monumental task. Whether it’s your first time or fifth time buying, feel free to reach out if you would like a free buyer consultation to prepare you for the buying process!