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Ready to make that first purchase, you might be wondering some key things to note before you take this major step. With a lot of agents and owners ready to cash in their investments(properties), follow through for eight simple tips to make sure you get the most out of your money.
1. Take stock of your finances
You will not be able to buy a home until you know what you can afford based on your finances. Be sure to keep track of your credit score and try to improve it as much as you can.
The better your score is, the easier it will be for you to get approved for a loan. You should also determine how much you have saved up for a down payment.
Generally, homebuyers are expected to put up between 5 and 20 percent of the price of a property as a down payment.
2. Research the local market
Long before you put an offer on a home, you should be monitoring the condition of the market in the area where you will be buying.
Pay special attention to the length of time that most homes in your price range stay on the market and if there are any big shifts in the asking price.
Partnering with a reliable local realtor can help you understand these key data points.
3. Go through the pre-approval process
You might be able to guess what your house budget is based on your finances and credit score but speaking with a lender will help you determine a specific amount.
To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you will have to provide your lender with some financial information, including your debts and assets.
4. List your priorities
Once you know how much house you can afford, you can begin your search for a home among listings in your area of choice.
Although you probably will not be able to find a listing that fulfills every item on your Wishlist, it is a good idea to keep your priorities top of mind to ensure you know what to look for when buying a house.
So, write them down, and make sure to revisit them as you begin looking at homes. More on that later.
5. Find a top agent
With your list of priorities and your pre-approval information in hand, speak to a reliable real estate agent you can trust who will help you make a sound investment.
An agent can facilitate negotiations between buyers and sellers and show you properties that fit your budget and meet your needs.
6. Make an offer and negotiate
With the help of your real estate agent, you will determine a fair price to offer the owners of a home in which you are interested. Try to avoid making a low-ball offer.
Often, owners who receive an offer that is too low simply refuse it upfront and do not engage in any further negotiations.
You should always defer to the opinion of your agent, as he or she will know a lot more about the housing market and the rules that apply to home offers.
7. Handle inspections and secure a loan
Home inspections are a necessary part of the homebuying process. Do not skip this. It is important to have the house you are purchasing professionally inspected to ensure you are aware of any damage or signs of structural wear.
An inspection will confirm whether the homeowners were honest in their listing and reveal any issues that might have gone unnoticed. After the inspection and the appraisal of the property, you may secure your loan with a bank or lender.
8. Submit paperwork and close
You will work with your lender and your real estate agent to ensure that all the relevant paperwork for your purchase is in order.
You will be able to move into your new home as soon as all the paperwork has been completed and the seller of your new house has been paid.
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