Planning on a move in 2018? Start preparing now! It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking of entering the real estate market this month or six months from now; preparing for your home purchase today will help make the process a little less stressful. Here are a few critical things that will really help in preparing.
Check Your Credit & Get Pre-approved:
Take a look at your credit score. You’ll want to make sure that your credit is in good standing. If there are any issues, take care of them. If you have a high credit score, you’ll get a better finance rate, which could save you on your mortgage payments. With rates on the rise, this is even more important!
After you know your credit is in check, you can work with a mortgage lender to get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage tells you how much you can afford and when it comes time to make an offer, the sellers will see that you can, in fact, afford the house.
A mortgage broker can be a big help in this process. If you need a good recommendation, get in touch and we’ll connect you. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox and Roach Realtors, our sister company Trident Mortgage has many resources and loan programs.
Interview and Hire a Buyer Agent:
Many buyers wait until they find a house they love to find a Realtor to work with. Would you hire just any attorney or doctor without knowing their credentials first? Interviewing Agents should be one of the first things you do. It’s so important to work with a Realtor who is experienced, professional and knows the areas where you are searching. It’s not one-size fits all. The first thing we do with our clients is sit down and talk about how we work, what you should expect of us and what we expect of you. The best relationship is a trust-based partnership. Want to find out more? Contact us!
Make a Wants & Needs List:
The all-important question is, what are you looking for in your next home? A lot of people waste time looking at properties they would have never looked at if they’d just taken some time to prioritize their wants and needs. So, start searching online to help you gain a sense of what it is you desire. Make a list of your top three needs and top three wants. If you’d like some properties emailed to you, just complete the form below and we’ll get you set up.
If You’re Selling:
Start looking at any improvements that you can make to help your home sell. Make repairs, get rid of clutter, and make your home presentable for potential buyers. Knowing your home’s value is helpful in starting the process and knowing where to invest your money. Click here and complete the form and we’ll help you get the most current value of your home.
Next Steps:
These ideas are just a snapshot of things to help you get started in your new home search. We would like to guide you through the entire process and help you every step of the way. If you have a question about this or any other news you might have heard about the industry, we’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you!
Happy House!
Angela, Rick, Genevieve and Chris
