Helpful Guides:
1. SET YOUR BUDGET:
When buying a home, it’s important to stay within your budget. Just because you can afford a larger mortgage doesn’t mean you should go for it – make sure to factor in closing costs, taxes, insurance, repairs, and other monthly bills when shopping around. A good rule of thumb is to get pre-approved for a mortgage amount that is lower than what you have been approved for. That way you know exactly how much money you have available to put towards buying your dream home. Be smart with your finances and don’t max out your budget!
By doing some research ahead of time and knowing exactly what type of home you want to buy within your budget, it will be easier for you to make an informed decision about the purchase. You’ll also be able to negotiate effectively knowing how much you can reasonably spend on a home. Don’t be afraid to take your time and explore different options – buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will ever make!
2. HIRE A REALTOR:
For buying a home, an experienced real estate agent is an invaluable asset. After all, buying a house is not something most of us do every day (or ever!). So why go through the entire process alone? A real estate agent can provide guidance that can make buying a home much easier and less stressful. They can help you find listings within your budget and in the areas that have what you need – or better yet, want! Plus, they will be able to negotiate for you so that you get the best deal possible. Don’t take the risk: hire an experienced agent who will ensure you purchase your dream home with confidence. Remember: buying a home isn’t just one decision; it’s many decisions rolled into one. Get expert help – and get the home you deserve!
3. KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES:
When buying a home, it’s important to know what you can live with and what you absolutely can’t. While the perfect home that meets all your criteria might not be out there right away, it pays to have a clear idea of what matters most to you in order to make an informed decision. Identifying must-haves ahead of time helps narrow down your search and prevents costly compromises later on. For example, if two full bathrooms are essential for your family’s needs but you find a great house with only one and a half baths, you may still be able to make it work by implementing some smart upgrades or design solutions. Bottom line: recognize what is livable versus non-negotiable when looking for your new place. Doing so will save you time and money in the long run.
4. CHECK OUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Take a walk around your neighborhood and check out the houses. Where are you buying? Does it have potential to be upgraded or remodeled in any way? Is buying something that needs work appealing to you, or would you rather buy something already finished and ready to move in right away? Investigate what else is going on in the area – are there any new businesses opening up nearby, or perhaps a public park being built? This is all valuable information if you’re buying a home, as it could affect the value of your purchase. So take some time to explore your neighborhood and get comfortable with what’s going on around you!
5. KEEP YOUR EMOTIONS IN CHECK:
Buying a home is an exciting process, but it can also be very stressful. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make sure your emotions don’t get the better of you in a competitive market. By keeping your buying decisions based on logic rather than emotion, you’ll be able to spot potential issues that could add up to costly repairs down the road while ensuring that you don’t overpay for a home. It may not seem like much at the time, but taking care to keep your emotions in check when buying a home can save you money and heartache in the long run.
6. KNOW WHO HAS GOOD ADVICE:
When buying a home, it’s important to take the right advice and ignore the wrong. Your family and friends may have insight into what buying a home was like decades ago, but they may not be aware of all of the details that go into buying a home today. On the other hand, people who have spent years in real estate, home improvement or title industries are likely to know their stuff – so by all means, listen to them! If you want to get the best deal when buying a house, taking advice from those in-the-know is key. Don’t let outdated opinions keep you from achieving your dream of homeownership – find trusted sources that can advise you on how to purchase a house with confidence.
7. DON’T TRUST ZILLOW:
When buying a home, it’s important to remember not to put too much faith in the Zillow home price estimate. Sure, they have their own proprietary formula that takes special features, location, and market conditions into account – but don’t forget that this isn’t an appraisal and is not always accurate. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your local realtor who will be more precise when it comes to pricing. So if you’re buying a house, don’t rely solely on the Zillow estimated value! Be aware and double-check with someone who knows what they’re talking about. Your wallet will thank you later.
Good luck with your house hunting journey! With just a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect home that fits within your budget. Happy house shopping!
@BigGuyMortgage
Our Staff is commited to keeping you safe. Typically meetings will be done through the phone or a zoom call. We are happy to meet you in person, please call to scedule an in-person meeting. We will take additional distancing precautions.