There’s a lot more to buying a house than just finding a good location. Here’s a handy checklist to help you be as ready as possible for finding a new home!
Check and fix your credit. Good credit is one of your most valuable assets during the home-buying process. Get a credit report, and identify potential problems. Take the time to pay off and clear as many old debts as possible. This may feel like you are going too slow, but it will significantly smooth the rest of the process. Take the time.
Learn about your location. Do your homework on sales prices in the neighborhood, talk to agents about the local real estate climate, and check property values. The more you can learn about the area you’re hoping to move to, the better informed you will be when your money is on the line.
Get pre-approved for your mortgage. This will shorten the loan process, and make you a more appealing loan prospect to the bank.
Shop for realtors, not for properties. A good realtor knows your location better than anyone else, and may know of properties that are not widely advertised. He or she can also assure that you get the best possible deal on your chosen property, and make the whole process easier and less stressful. Look for someone with a good web presence, who returns calls or emails promptly, and is knowledgeable about your needs.
I hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me; I’m always happy to speak with you.