Does Buying a Home Have to be so Confusing?
The answer is NO. Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced buyer, there are really only 5 steps to buying a home. Follow these 5 Steps and your house hunting experience can be fun and less stressfull.
Step 1 Know what you can afford - Speak with a lender, get Pre-Approved and know what you can afford based on your income and debt. This helps you to target on homes in the right price range which will also help you in targeting the available locations.
Step 2 NEEDS vs WANTS - Make a list of both what you NEED in a home and what you WANT. NEEDs are must haves, while WANTS are would like to have. This will help you prioritize your searching and become more targeted.
Step 3 Location - Think about your lifestyle and the important things and then find a location that will support that lifestyle. Things to consider are commute time, schools, green space, shopping, medical services, population density, urban, suburban, rural, etc.
Step 4 "Pic 3" Search - At On Demand Realty, we have a "Pic 3" program. Pic 3 properties as "Favorite" on our site, select a date, time and starting address and we'll make arrangements to show the homes. Go see 3-5 homes in a location and travel around to make sure it is the right neighborhood and the right home. If not, keep looking. You will know it when you find the right home because you will be planning where your furniture will be placed, where to shop, distance to the schools, highway etc.
Step 5 Make an Offer(s) - Once you have taken the first 4 Steps, you will be ready to make an offer. Get information on recent sold properties from your REALTOR, check local growth rates, and set an upper limit on what is acceptable so you do not get caught up in the thrill and go over your financial comfort level. Then have your REALTOR present the offer with all supporting documents and wait for the response. If accepted, GREAT, if not, keep looking and you will succeed.
See, Just 5 Easy Steps and You can be a Homeowner!
