|
Whether you are purchasing a home to live in or an investment property, pre-planning and organization will help you make decisions and achieve your financial goals. The steps below may assist you in your real estate purchase.
Look for a real estate agent who:
1. Keeps you informed throughout the entire buying process.
2. Actively finds you homes to consider that meet your criteria.
3. Answers all of your questions honestly, easily and accurately.
4. Listens attentively and responds to your needs, requests, and requirements.
5. Tenaciously negotiates on your behalf beside you through every phase of the transaction.
6. Searches the MLS, for sale by owner and other resources for properties that may be for sale on a daily basis.
7. Conduct is always organized, competent and professional every time you meet.
8. Works well with a network of home inspectors, appraiser, mortgage officers, real estate attorneys, and other agents.
Decide how much you want to pay for a house based on your budget and how much you are comfortable spending, NOT how much the lender is willing to give you! Once you have determined your spending threshold, seek a pre-approval letter from a lender and only look at houses that fall within your price range.
The very first thing home buyers should do is to make a list of priorities and define home purchase objectives. Figure out what features and benefits are most important and which you can live without. Do not let emotions derail you from your list of priorities. Before you close, review this list and make sure you can live with the tradeoffs. It's easy to overlook a major factor that could come back to haunt you later.
Do not make major purchases once you have completed your loan application. The purchases may change your credit ratios with the credit reporting agencies and negatively impact your loan application. When in doubt, ask your loan officer!
|
