Buying a home is a huge investment, and for many, it can be overwhelming. Here, are just a few tips to help you get started.
Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
Even in more relaxed times, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you even start to look for homes. Some agents won’t show you a home if you haven’t been preapproved, and you cannot make an offer until you are. Also, this will help you to determine what you can actually afford.
Work with A Realtor
Well, duh, right? But it bears repeating: work with a realtor. With all of the ways to browse homes online and the myriad of real estate shows on television, it’s easy to think that real estate is a simple business. It’s not. An experienced licensed realtor will be able to guide you through the process of buying a home. In today’s market, you need more information than what can be gleaned from the internet; you need up to the minute details on the house, the market, and the neighborhood that only a licensed real estate professional can get you. A good realtor can keep a deal together because we know, sorry to say, that you can’t count on anything until the deal goes through at closing.
Know Your Budget – Adjust Accordingly
We can point you in the right direction so that you can talk to a financial professional to find out what you can, and what you want, to spend on your home or vacation home. Your realtor will be able to tell you what the market trends are and how that may affect your search.