When you purchase a home, it ranks high as one of the more monumental purchases you’ll ever make. That’s why taking the time to conduct the proper research and working with a real estate professional will help you make the process informed and even 
enjoyable. Here are some steps in finding a home that may help:
THE SEARCH
Before you head out and look at homes, take a step back and think about what sort of things you’d like in a home. Basic questions include: the house style (traditional/loft or another design), number of bathrooms, layout, type of neighborhood, transit lines, parks and/or retail establishments. Need some inspiration? Home buyers go online to home design sites for the home style that suits your style.
BUDGET
Home buyers don’t forget about getting real with your budget. We’d all love to live the high roller life but is that within your budgetary guidelines? After you consider your other expenses let’s tally up the home expense. Consider your down-payment amount, property taxes, water & sewer bill and maintenance costs (snow removal/landscaping services) and home owners insurance. Once you figure that out, you’ll be able to determine your monthly mortgage/expenses. Go ahead and search for homes and determine your monthly mortgage with the built in calculator but remember to factor in monthly property taxes into the equation.
GET YOUR LENDER PRE-APPROVAL
Remember to get pre-approved as well because what you think you can afford XYZ may differ from the lender’s amount.There are numerous lenders including your credit union, and any major lender including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD BANK, PNC, Santander and so many more. Some lenders offer grants such as Wells Fargo Downpayment Assistance Grants making it just a little easier to purchase a home. Remember when inquiring about a pre-approval, be sure to ask about any grants available. If you’re an active duty military member and/or veteran consider a VA Home Loan offering lots of perks.
EVALUATE PROPERTIES
So here we go, you’ve gone out to look at some properties with me and have fallen in love with a home or maybe a few. But remember as home buyers you must evaluate carefully. Be mindful of water issues and/or other concerns like an EPA “no-no” oil tank leak. Remediation on any of these issues are possible, just take note and tally up the potential costs and your capability in taking them on. A qualified home inspector will assist in this process.
OFFER TIME
Once you’ve found the “perfect” home, in this market that is trending upwards get your pre-approval letter and check book ready! Offer immediately because there are other buyers on the market that may like the home too. Sit down with your realtor for a meeting of the minds. Be sure to review the comparable market analysis and really compare apples to apples. Determine a realistic offer price and I’ll assist in the negotiation.
NEGOTIATION
This is the fun part at least for me, but depending on the market don’t be surprised that certainly properties may prompt a bidding war just because home buyers are back on the market. However what’s important is I stick to the facts when negotiating and am prepared, always keeping your best interests in mind.
RESOURCES
From offer to closing there are many other people that assist in this home buying process. Home inspectors, surveyors, lenders and attorneys help make the home purchase an easy one. Even after the transaction is complete, call on me for other resources! Need an electrician or ready to renovate? I can help offer advice or a service professional better suited to answer those specific inquiries.
Finding a home should be enjoyable and I’d love to be part of that journey. Send me a voicemail right on the computer or use the contact form below and let’s get started!
Remember, when you’re out finding a home, don’t search for the “perfect” home, but a home that is right for you!
