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1. Search and discover<\/h2>\nChances are you\u2019ve considered buying a home \u2014 maybe you even attended a couple of open houses and ran the numbers. But once you get serious, there are a few points you need to consider before signing a contract and heading to your closing. Buying a home takes more time and research than, say, buying a tablet or smartphone. Before diving in, it\u2019s important to understand the process. Every home buyer\u2019s journey happens on a slightly different timeline, but here are some steps every prospective buyer should take.<\/p>\n
1. Search and discover<\/h2>\nThe home-buying process often occurs organically and may begin a year or more before the actual purchase. You\u2019ll get started by\u00a0viewing home listings online\u00a0to discover what types of homes you can get in different price ranges.<\/p>\n
Look at homes in your favorite neighborhoods, and review statistics and reports on home values. Use this time to dream about some of your favorite home features, and start to\u00a0put together your list of priorities. Most buyers will find a property during this phase that prompts them to move to the next stage.<\/p>\n
Most would-be home buyers need\u00a0a mortgage to purchase a home. While the process has gotten easier as we\u2019ve moved farther away from the financial and lending crisis, it can still be challenging if you\u2019re not prepared. You need to know\u00a0what you can afford, the types of loans available and how what you can afford will affect your home search.\u00a0Pull your credit report, and understand your financial situation. Then you can\u00a0get pre-approved.<\/p>\n
Many buyers need to repair their\u00a0credit score, save more money or allow cash to the season for some time before buying. Use the next few months to address any financial issues.<\/p>\n
At some point along the way, you should\u00a0connect with a local real estate agent. These relationships form early, and having that person beside you during your search should be invaluable. Go to open houses, make appointments and see as many homes as possible. Before making an offer, you\u2019ll need to know the market inside and out.\u00a0The more homes you see, the more you will know about your local real estate market, and the more confidence you will have when that dream house comes along.<\/p>\n
And if you miss out on a deal or two, it\u2019s okay. It\u2019s all part of the process. Don\u2019t feel rushed, and realize that the home search often becomes a part-time job. Have fun with it. If you find yourself in the real estate market prior to doing significant research, you may be jumping the gun.\u00a0Unlike a tablet, smartphone or even a car, a home is a long-term investment \u2014\u00a0and a special one at that. It\u2019s where your life will happen. Move too quickly and buyer\u2019s remorse can creep in.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Chances are you\u2019ve considered buying a home \u2014 maybe you even attended a couple of open houses and ran the numbers. But once you get serious, there are a few points you need to consider before signing a contract and heading to your closing. Buying a home takes more time and research than, say, buying […]<\/p>\n