Is it time? Are you ready to purchase a home? If so, the home buying process can, admittedly, be a little difficult to navigate at times, but with the right Realtor at your side, it can actually be a fun and exciting adventure!
First, ask yourself a question: Is buying right for you, or would you be better off renting a home or apartment first? Each situation has its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to give it some time and thought before jumping in feet first.
Once you?ve made the decision to tackle the home buying process, don?t go it alone! Find a Realtor that you are comfortable working with who will continually look out for your best interests. Feel free to interview multiple real estate agents until you find the right match. You?re going to be spending a lot of time together ? from completing mounds of paperwork to visiting open houses ? so you want someone who is both friendly and experienced. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
Are your finances in order? Have you been saving money for a down payment? You?ll also want to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you?ll be considered a serious contender when making an offer on a home.
Select the style of home that best suits your personal taste, and then think about the neighborhood or neighborhoods you would like to target when house hunting. Do you need to be close to work, schools, entertainment, restaurants, medical facilities, family?
Next, select a lender after comparing mortgage rates and associated costs and fees. Your Realtor will likely be ready to offer recommendations.
And now, the fun begins! Go house shopping, both online and in-person. Most realty websites will offer multiple photos of the interior and exterior of homes currently for sale, and some might also feature a virtual tour of your dream home.
Once you?ve found something you really like and have had a chance to visit, it?s time to make an offer ? and be prepared for the seller to come back with a counter-offer. Once your offer is officially accepted, you?ll have to think about things like a home inspection and scheduling your closing date, but those are topics for a different day!
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the home buying process, please contact the professionals at The Olear Team today!