There’s no getting around it: buying a home is a major decision. There are so many ins and outs of home buying, all of which can help you make the right decision at the right time for you. There are certain things everyone should know when buying a home. Above and beyond all other tips, it’s important that you seriously consider hiring a professional to help you buy a home. While the Internet has grown by leaps and bounds, and you can find a wealth of information regarding home buying tips and current home listings, a professional real estate agent will have your interests on their plate, and will strive to help you find the perfect home for you.
Clean up your credit history before trying to get a home loan. Obtain your credit score, and make several copies of the documentation. Go over all the facts pertaining to your credit score, and be sure to address and quickly fix any errors you may feel are negatively affecting your credit score. It’s also important to save up for a down payment. Most mortgage lenders and agents will recommend you save up to 20% of what you anticipate to be the down payment of your home. This way, you will be in the best financial shape before buying a home.
Another thing you should consider is getting pre-approved for a home loan. This way, you won’t waste time looking at homes you can’t afford. Instead, you will clearly understand your budget and be able to make a realistic decision about the home you can afford. Pre-qualification can also give you buyer’s control when viewing homes, because the seller will understand you have the ability to make them an offer on their home on the spot.
Decide how long you will be staying in your new home, should you purchase it. If you and your family decide that you can’t stay in your home for more than three years, than you may wish to consider postponing buying a home. On the other hand, if you are happy with the area you are moving too, and see yourself being able to live there for several years, consider purchasing a home in that area a worthy investment.
One of the best tips real estate agents offer to homebuyers is to buy a home in a good school district, regardless of whether or not you plan on starting a family. When the time comes to resell your home, you will be in a much better position to sell your home for a profit if it is located in a district with reputable schools.
Before making a home offer, thoroughly research recent home sales in the same area. That way, you can make a fair and educated home bid based on the sales of comparable houses in the area. For example, if homes in the area have sold for 5 percent less than the asking price, you can reasonable make an offer that is 8-10 percent lower than the asking price.
Buying a home is an intricate process that should be handled firmly, and with diligence. To this end, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional agent who will understand the details and events that occur with every home sale. Be prepared to make one of the biggest decisions of your life with ease and confidence by understanding what you should know before buying a house.
