Start Your Research Early
We have some great informational videos to get you started on your home buying adventure! Check them out here. We also have quick links for buyers here.
Step 1: Assess your Family Needs and Set your Priorities
What are the Top 3 things each of you must have in a home?
What are the key things you want in a neighborhood?
Step 2: Talk to a Lender
Make sure that you are truly in a position to buy, that there is no damaging or old information on your credit report and know how much house you can qualify for. Also, keep in mind, “Just because someone will lend it to you does not mean you want to afford it!”
Step 3: Find a great Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents are important partners when you’re buying or selling a home. They can provide you with helpful information on homes and neighborhoods that isn’t easily accessible to the public. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything to use an agent – they’re compensated from the commission paid by the seller of the house.
Step 4: Begin Looking at Homes Whether Online or In-Person
Evaluate the layout, rooms and location. How does it match the way you live or would like to live? Check out neighborhood crime reports and neighborhood school information. Buying a home is a process of elimination, ruling out homes that do not work and then choosing the best fit home among your options. If you are viewing homes through Facetime or Skype, make sure your Realtor is showing you all the aspects of the home in depth and also showing you views up and down the street so you can get a sense of the neighborhood. If you have a few strong possibilities, ask to see them on more than one day, and if you are local, drive past at different hours of the day. Take as much time as you need to find the right home. The right Realtor will listen, help you refine your search and address your concerns.
Step 5: Build an Offer
Once you find a good fit home you want to make an offer on, ask your Realtor to help you make sure that the list price is in line with neighborhood sales and current market value. Work with your Realtor to build a competitive offer and submit.
Best wishes for a Happy Home-Buying Experience! Remember, we are here as YOUR resource during this process.!