Before making an offer on your first home, make sure to complete these four steps.
1. Know how much you can afford and how much cash you will need:
Knowing what you qualify for before searching for any homes will save you time and disappointment that can come from falling in love with a home that is out of reach. Getting pre-qualified for a loan will help you understand your numbers and affordability.
2. Location, Location, location.
Learn and research the neighborhoods you’d like to live in, drive through the neighborhood at different times of the day and week. Check out the schools, shops, crime rate, and talk to the neighbors to learn more about the area. Based on your goals and lifestyle, the area where you buy a home is curial.
3. Choose your property type:
There are many different property types, single-family residents, condos, multi-family, townhomes, new constructions, etc. learn and know all the pros and cons about each property type in your area. Again, your future goals and plans will play a role in your decision. If you are looking to expand your family or use the property for investment in the future could change your choices on the type of property you would buy.
4. Obtain a valid pre-approval before you make an offer:
Finding the right mortgage lender and obtaining the pre-approval are the initial steps of searching for a home. Loan pre-approval means your lender has reviewed all the necessary documents and verified with the underwriting to make sure they are efficient for you’re to receive a commitment letter. There still may be other documents and verifications such as appraisal, title work, and homeowners insurance that have to be obtained but at least you know that the money is secured for your financing.
Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people make in their lives, and we know how important such a decision is for you and your family. We would love to be part of that process and walk you through it step by step.
