Buying A Home, But Don’t Know Where To Start?
Buying a home can be many things… seamless, thrilling, stressful, or just plain difficult. Undoubtedly, there is a lot on the line when purchasing one of the biggest investments of your life. Many factors and questions need to be addressed before you can begin the search for your dream home. What neighborhood do we want to live in? What school districts best suit my kids? Are we more city or suburb people? Everyone’s needs are different, making the home buying process unique to every person or family.
Looking for homes over budget is way more fun
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Things to Think About
What can you comfortably afford?
Figure out a budget, and stick to it. Determine how large of a down payment you can realistically produce. What is the max amount you can pay monthly towards your principal and interest? Closing costs are sneaky and if not budgeted for, can cause some issues. Make sure you have a furniture budget! Imagine moving into a beautiful home and not being able to furnish it, now that would be tragic.
Figure out your non-negotiables
You’d be surprised at how long this list can get! When you see properties with your agent, your list might change and thats okay, that’s progress! The property must meet the needs of your family and sometimes its hard to figure that out. Some buyers know exactly what they want and thats great, but that’s not the case for everyone.
To renovate or not renovate? That is the question…
Are you open to renovations or do you need a move-in ready home. For some people, renovations are a way to add their own personalized touch and actually enjoy the process of ‘getting their hands dirty’. While others, are not well suited for such an environment. Renovations can be tough to live through, and are definitely not for the faint of heart, but the results can lead to a home that feels custom.
Run to Pinterest
I know it sounds silly, but browse Pinterest. And let’s be honest here, you’re probably an avid Pinner, I know I am. It’s the best way to figure out what style of home you want or vision you want to create. Some homes have good bones, but it might be difficult to see the vision. You don’t want to miss out on the perfect home because the bathroom has purple carpet… yikes
Stay open minded
The home buying process can take months, it can be exhausting and disheartening. You can see so many listings but none of them catch your eye or seem to have any potential. Stay positive and stay vigilant on your search. Remember, it only takes one.
A quick guide:
The Steps to Buying Home
01
Get Financially Ready
Being financially ready looks different for everyone. It might look like saving for a down payment, improving your credit score, or selling some bigger items to reinvest into a home purchase.
02
Find a REALTOR® You Trust
Look for a reliable and local licensed Real Estate Agent in your area. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Look on social media and don’t be afraid to ask them questions before taking them on.
03
Get pre-approved
Your agent will connect you with great mortgage lenders who will give you a good idea of what you can afford and place you ahead of others as a serious buyer.
04
Find a home and make an offer
Now this is the fun part. Your agent gets to show you different houses within your budget that suit your needs. You determine the price and we negotiate the contract.
05
get a home inspection & appraisal
The Home Inspection determines if there are any issues with the property and the Appraisal makes sure the property is worth the value you are willing to pay.
06
close & move in!
The property ownership and funds transfer, and the final papers get signed. The home is now yours, cheers!
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