Buying a house is a complicated process ... sometimes it's a total nightmare! Just like anything in life, being prepared and organized will make house hunting much easier. Here are a few essential preparations that will make house hunting a breeze.
Don't Fear - Your Agent Is Here!
Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to go and buy a house by ourselves? A good real estate agent will take a massive load of work off your back. The first step in the house buying process is to find a realtor with whom you are confident and comfortable.
Your real estate agent should be someone knowledgeable about the area. They should also be someone who you can talk to easily. Their job will be to understand the details of buying a house, know the area, and understand well your needs and interests.
One good way to make it easier to find your dream house is to tell your realtor which things are negotiable and which things are not. In other words, what are your highest priorities for your dream home, and which things can you give a little bit on.
This will help them find a property better suited to your needs as well as make it helpful for them to negotiate with sellers on your behalf.
Get Ready To Get Your Loan
The next step is to get preapproved. This is not something you have to do, but any real estate agent will tell you that getting preapproved may make or break the deal.
If you don't already have one, your realtor will refer you to a mortgage broker. There will be paperwork and background checks, and then a lender will preapprove you.
Preapproval is a statement that the lender is willing to lend you money, and this builds confidence in the seller.
Find A House!
Now, the real fun begins. At this point in the process, you are no longer looking at houses and saying, "Wow, that would be a cool house to buy." From now on, you will be saying, "Let's talk to the seller!"
Most people let their real estate agent do some looking for them first. You might find that perfect house this way, but at the very least it will give you some ideas and inspiration. What your real estate agent turns up for you will help you revise your wish list and get a better idea of what to look for.
Buy!
When you find the house you want, let your real estate agent help you decide how much to offer. He or she will look at comparable properties in the area to decide what is a fair offer.
Your agent will take care of the official details, like drawing up a contract. At this stage, it is important to discuss all your decisions with the realtor. This is where their expertise really comes in handy.
Then, the dream begins! You have your very own home. It is a long process, but it doesn't have to be too stressful. With the help of a good real estate agent, you can find the house of your dreams.
