7 Tips Before You Buy a Home

Buying a house is a huge life decision that requires lots of careful planning. The pre-approval process will help determine the maximum price you can afford, which obviously will help you to focus your search accordingly, and to be prepared to make an offer when you find your dream home.

Supply as much information as you can and get pre-qualified, so that when you find a house, you are ready to move on it.

The most important thing that you are going to need in a real estate agent is trust, communication, and responsiveness. Ask for referrals and recommendations from close friends, then start meeting with agents. All real estate agents have access to the same homes on the MLS. It is paramount that you find an agent you feel comfortable confiding in and trusting with the most expensive purchase of your life this far. If you don’t connect personally, you won’t connect professionally and that leads to mis-communications and disappointment.

Explain to your REALTOR® exactly what you are looking for so they can best help you find your dream home. Remember, when they’re working for you in the market talking to other REALTOR®, they need to filter their search and refine their requests to narrow what is available.

4. Sit Down with your Agent and Let Them Walk you Through the Process

It is your REALTOR®’s job to help navigate you through the home buying process and prepare you, as best as possible, for what exactly you will be experiencing.

By knowing the process before looking at homes, the buyer will be prepared to make a quick decision, which is especially important today, as inventory is limited

5. Keep an open mind while searching for homes

It’s important to have an open mind when you’re looking for your new home, especially buyers who are on a budget. Be careful not to soak in too much HGTV and make sure you’re being realistic for what is available in the area that you want to live in, while also staying within your budget. Remember that many cosmetic items in a home can be replaced pretty easily without spending too much.

6. Be methodical as you rate your selections

Pay attention to the home’s surroundings. What is nearby? Do you like the location? Immediately after leaving, rate each home on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. View top choices a second time before you start bidding.