After several years of diligently saving money, I’m nearly ready to purchase my first home. Because I’ve been thinking about buying a home for so long, I know exactly what I want my house to look like. I desire a place that has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. I also need a quiet space to set up my home office in. I want a massive, walk-in closet in my master bedroom. My master bathroom needs to have double vanities, a tiled, walk-in shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. On this blog, I hope you will discover how to set priorities during your new home search. Enjoy!
Elli Jokela
Are you planning to buy your first home? If so, you likely have a number of features that you want. However, many buyers do not take the time to ensure certain matters are addressed before they start searching for homes. The following are a few things you should do before you start searching for homes for sale.
Loan Pre-Approval
Your credit score will impact how much lenders will give you towards a home purchase. This is why it is ideal to check your credit score. If it is in the low range, you may want to consider trying to raise your score. However, it is possible to qualify for a mortgage with less than perfect credit. Your interest rates might be higher or the loan amount extended might be lower than others who have better scores. Either way, pre-approval for a loan will give you an idea of which homes you can afford.
Location
The location of your future home will also be an important thing to consider. You may prefer a home that is closer to your job, but if your job is located in the city, homes might be more expensive. This means that you will need to consider if you would rather have more buying power working further away from your job or settle for a smaller place in the area you prefer. Another scenario would be wanting a home in an area that is known for having excellent schools. These suburban areas may also have other attractions that could result in the homes being appraised at higher values. You might also want to consider buying an older home in your ideal location rather than considering new properties. This is because you might be able to find a home with your budget or negotiate a lower selling price.
Features
The features of homes are often deal makers or breakers for home buyers. It might take a while to find a home that is priced in your range and has the features you are looking for. However, if you rush and buy a home that does not meet your criteria, you may end up with buyer's remorse. Buying a home is an investment, and it is one that most people have to deal with for many years or a lifetime. This is why it is worth your time and effort to search for homes and enlist the help of a real estate agent too.
A real estate agent is a good resource to use for additional tips on things that you should do to prepare yourself for finding the ideal home. They can also help you locate homes for sale that meet your expectations.