For most, buying a home will be the biggest investment of your life! If you are in control and organized during this process it will help you to find the best deal possible on your home with also the least amount of stress.
Therefore, knowing the steps and building a plan of action will help you successfully achieve your goal of being a homeowner!
1. – Get Pre-Approved! The first step of the home buying process is to talk with your lender and get pre-approved. Once pre-approved, you will know what the maximum amount is that you qualify for and approximately how much your mortgage, rate and down payment will be so that you can know what to expect and start looking for homes in that price range. This will also allow you to avoid the frustration of finding homes that you fall in love with that are out of your price range.
2.– Do your research on where you’d like to live and figure out what the best location is for you and/or your family. Be prepared to answer these questions:
• Are you currently in a lease? If so, when is your lease up and are you willing and able to break your lease prior to that date if necessary?
• Do you have a home to sell first?
• What is your time frame and ideal date that you’d like to be in your new home?
• What is your ideal price range that you are comfortable with?
• How large is your family? Do you have children or pets that you need to consider in your home search?
• Are you looking to stay in a particular school district?
• What specific cities or zip-codes are you willing to consider?
• Are you trying to stay in driving rage to a certain area such as to work or family?
• Crime rate of neighborhood?
• Are you in need of local transportation nearby?
• What types of homes would you consider: condos, town homes, duplex, newly constructed homes, or only single-family homes?
• Would you prefer 1 story or 2 story?
• Any age range of the home?
• Number of bedrooms max and min?
• Number of bathrooms max and min?
• How many living areas do you require?
• Do you need a home office?
• Do you require a formal dining room?
• If a fireplace a must?
• What is your ideal kitchen and requirements?
• How many garage spaces are needed if any?
• Square footage range?
• Would you like a pool or not at all?
• What is your ideal backyard?
• What type of layout do you like best?
• What type of flooring do you prefer?
• Are you willing to do renovations if necessary or would like something move-in ready?
3. - Give me (Your Realtor) a call at 214-789-7111!
Once we speak, I can help you narrow it down and set up a direct search for you in the MLS so that you get the most up to date listings as soon as they come onto the market.
I look forward to speaking with you and helping you find your dream home! Ginger Varga, gingerkvarga@gmail.com