We all dream of getting that house with a nice lawn in a good neighborhood. It’s easy to pick out the house you want, easier still to dwell on the promise it offers.
However, buying a home requires plenty of thought and planning.
It’s a milestone purchase, after all, something you’ll be dealing with for years. One wrong step and the dream can vanish… or turn into an all-to-real nightmare.
So consider the following before you go house hunting:
1. Determine your price range
Be practical and reasonable. Figure out how much you can pay by checking all your assets first. Yes, everyone wants a nice house. But can you afford that 5-bedroom estate you’ve been eyeing for some time?
2. Learn to be flexible
This is the fun part of home buying. But this can be the most distracting as well. It’s easy to get swayed by every beautiful house or apartment you see. The options can be mind-boggling. This is where flexibility comes in. Learn to work around every aspect of your prospective home until you find one that suits your needs and budget.
3. Get pre-approved for a loan
Although house prices are more affordable than ever, getting a loan is another matter. Lenders now have stricter standards following the housing market crash. So getting pre-approved for a loan tells lenders you’re a good risk. You may also check out additional assistance from the government or the state homebuyer program in your area.
4. Have the property inspected
Once you’ve made your offer, have an expert inspect the property to determine if it has structural issues that need fixing, or if it’s worth the price tag.
5. Read the fine print… or hire an agent
This is an often overlooked step. And with reason. Buying a house can be can be exhausting; the last thing you want to do is wade through a 50-page legal document. You need an agent or a lawyer to help you understand the fine print.
Let us help you look for the best home for your family. Check out our listings here.