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.
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.
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.
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.
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.