More than likely, buying a home will be the biggest investment of your life. It’s a process you don’t want to take lightly.
It is not an easy task, but I’m here to help! In an effort to save your sanity (and the sanity of those who love you), here are a few steps to help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Get Ready:
If you are looking to buy a new home, more often than not, you have a current home to sell. Before you start seriously looking for another home, plan ahead: have your previous home listed or ready to list.
I have seen this scenario one too many times… You find your dream home, but you are in the middle of remodeling your kitchen. You can’t buy until you sell. Most sellers will choose the offer that is not contingent on the sale of another home, so don’t get caught in this place!
There is nothing worse than missing out on THE perfect home because of timing. Talk to your agent about areas that need improvement, de-cluttering, minimizing. Get your “To-Do” list and start doing!
Get Pre-Approved:
It may seem intimidating but getting pre-approved on a loan sets the home buying processes in motion. It will set the stage for determining your price range and budget. Don’t forget that there is a lot more to consider than just your mortgage payment. Make sure you include the following into your budget: real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, homeowner’s association dues and home repairs. These items all add up. If you delay this key step in the process, the house you want and love could be long gone. Save yourself the time, energy and heartache and get pre-approved. As soon as you find the right home, you are ready and willing to make an offer!
Make a List of Wants and Needs:
It’s important to have a clear understanding of what you MUST have in a new home. Wants are one thing and needs are another. When you start looking at homes, the whole process can become extremely overwhelming. If you look at enough homes, the features start blending together. By keeping your list of wants and needs in your back pocket, you make sure to focus on what’s most important to you. You never want to settle in the search process.
Home Inspection:
You’ve found your dream house. Yeah! Now, it’s time for the home inspection. Most purchase agreements are contingent on a home inspection unless you opt against one. You may think the house looks great, but a qualified and licensed professional will thoroughly review every nook and cranny and provide a detailed summary recommending repairs as needed. After the inspection, you and your real estate agent may find that you need to adjust the purchase contract to include the repairs, or cost of the repairs, that might be necessary.
Congratulations:
You worked through the labor of love to land yourself in your new home. Of course, the best way to break in that new house… a happy dance!
I am here to help with all of your home buying needs. It is a “bear” of a process, but I can alleviate most of the headaches and make it a “bearable” experience ; )
No matter what stage of life you’re in, P.J. Morgan Real Estate is here for you. We offer commercial sales, leasing, and property management; residential sales, leasing and property management; business brokerage and real estate auction services. We’re with you for life.
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