Home Buying Tips  –

Tip 1: Find a knowledgeable real estate agent in your area that can lead you through every step of the home buying process. Here are a few qualities the agent you choose should have: exceptional communication skills, technological prowess, and the ability to make the process organized and fun. While technology offers you the ability to search many sites for homes, a knowledgeable real estate agent will be able to provide you with the most current data available via their local, private multiple listing service. The most critical piece that an agent can do for you is crunch the numbers on the homes you value and like. Sellers are sometimes all over the board with their pricing, however, a knowledgeable agent will be able to help you navigate through this.

Tip 2: How much can you spend on a home? Buyers frequently begin the home buying process by looking at homes which is erroneous. The process should begin with, what you can afford. While simply looking at homes is a good choice for the less motivated buyer, the serious buyer must have a fiscal plan in place prior to starting the search.  How much are you putting down? What types of loans do you qualify for? Why is one loan type better than another in your current situation? What do the terms Conventional, FHA, VA mean? The best place to get started with this process is visiting with a mortgage professional at your current bank or a loan consultant. Purchasing a home is one of the largest purchases you will make and this is a critical first step in the process. The loan approval process ensures that you are ready to place offers. Unfortunately, I have met buyers that have found the home of their dreams, but missed the window of opportunity to place an offer due to lack of loan approval.

Tip 3: Understand the basic steps of the home buying process.

1. Find a knowledgeable agent that can walk you through the entire process and help you find the perfect home.
2. Find out how much you can spend.
3. Write a solid offer that reflects the current market.
4. Initiate the escrow process with a title company.
5. Obtain the necessary inspections and have the items in question rectified if necessary.
6. Sign all closing paperwork with the Title Company.
7. Close on the property and move-in.

Tip 4: Have a fun and enjoyable process.