Home Buying Tips
The prospect of buying a home can be both exhilarating and scary at the same time. It’s likely the largest purchase you’ve made in your lifetime – and also one of the best long-term investments. But buying a home is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Finding the right place, in the perfect neighborhood and at a cost that’s within your budget, is no small task. That’s where I come in. My job is to help you navigate the twists and turns of the buying process, so that you end up with a house you’re proud to call home.
Step 1: Talk to me
The first step, before you start going to open houses, is to consult with your real estate agent. I can give you an up-to-the-minute summary of the current real estate market, as well as mortgage industry trends. I can also put you in touch with all the best resources and educate you about next steps.
Step 2: Decide how much home you can afford
I know it's not exciting or sexy to start your home search with a financial review, but when all is said and done, you'll be glad you did. It's far more efficient to focus your search on the properties you can afford. How do you know what you can afford? I'll provide you with the names and contact info for a few reputable mortgage agents who, based on your financial situation, can tell you everything you need to know.
Step 3: Imagine your future
Think about it...do you plan on having children in the next five or six years? Where do you see your career heading? Do you work at home? Will you have guests visit regularly? Are you interested in renting a portion of your home?
After we've discussed these details, we'll evaluate school districts, work commutes, rental opportunities and more as we search for homes together. Taking the time to figure out these basic steps will help you find and buy the perfect home for you. Remember, it takes for a home purchase to start paying off financially, which means, the better your new home suits you, the happier you'll be and the longer you'll stay.
Step 4: Tell me about your ideal home
Start this step by writing down everything you'd like, from style, size and location to features and amenities, on a piece of paper. Once you're done, go back through the list and highlight your five "must-have" and your five "really-wants." We'll use this info as we search for your new home.
Quick Bits
- Meet with me to discuss your home goals, desires and dreams, a buying timeline and work towards your goals
- Check your credit scores and work to improve your rating
- Start or increase your savings for a down payment
- Start the loan pre-approval process
- Start looking for homes
My Goals
- Communicate clearly and consistently so you can make informed decisions throughout the entire buying process
- Help you find the home that best meets your criteria in the most efficient timeframe
- Provide current market data to assist you in making informed decisions
- Help you understand all the terms, processes, and documents involved in a real estate transaction
- Represent your needs through skilled negotiations and effective communication
- Provide you with a peace-of-mind that all details are being handled in a professional and efficient manner
"Your Story...Starts At Home"
"Let's Start The Next Chapter Together"
