Purchasing a home can sometimes be a timely process, so it is important to hit the ground running. These tips are sure to keep you on track throughout the months leading up to the big day.
To get prepped now:
Get your financials in check.
Whether this means checking your credit score, talking with a financial advisor, looking at your monthly expenditures, getting pre-approved for a loan, or most likely, all of the above, getting your financials in order is a necessary step in the home-buying process.
Look at neighborhoods.
Do you want to live in an urban setting or are the suburbs more your speed? How relevant is a good school district to your family? These questions are vital to ask when looking at what neighborhoods best match your lifestyle.
Utilize an agent.
Make use of the professionals involved with buying a home, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Going at it alone can result in more harm than good, and nothing is worse than dragging out an already time-consuming process. Most people are unaware that a buyer agent’s compensation is typically paid from the seller’s proceeds and it is to your advantageous to utilize their valuable skills and resources.
To buy:
Hunting for a home.
Open houses can be a fun part of the home-buying process. Be confident in knowing what you want in a home, and keep in constant contact with the professionals during this step to make your decisions easier.
Making an offer.
Once you find the house of your dreams, putting an offer in is the natural next step. The process of making an offer will often include deciding on an offer, which entails looking at the comps in the general vicinity. Part of making an offer is also negotiating with the seller, which a professional will help you with as well.
Signing the agreement.
Once the seller accepts your offer, the next step is signing the purchase agreement. This is where financials, home inspections, and other necessary contingencies will be discussed, but a professional will be there to guide you through every step of the closing process.
From searching to closing, buying a home is one of the most exciting times of your life. Stay on top of the little things with this timeline.
Note from Barb: Let’s start a conversation about your unique needs. I have network of trusted professionals ready and at hand, whether it be loan specialists, financial advisors, home inspectors or closing companies. Ready to begin the process? I will walk you through the entire process and have a complimentary Home Buyer’s Guide available for my buyer clients.