Once you have made the decision to purchase a home, you may wonder what are the next steps needed to make this life-changing decision a reality.  To assist you with this effort, here some helpful tips to simplify the process and make this an enjoyable experience.

Check Your Credit Scores / Reports

It’s important for you to know your credit score and verify the accuracy of your credit reports, preferably from all three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  Having your current credit reports available will provide you with an opportunity to dispute and correct inaccurate information.  In addition, knowing your current credit scores will allow you to take steps, if needed, to improve your credit scores prior to beginning the pre-approval process and ultimately applying for a home loan.

Save For A Down Payment

There are many different options when it comes to obtaining a mortgage, but all will require some form of a down payment.  Take the time to speak with potential lenders, to understand the loan programs available as well as the associated minimum down payment requirements.

Obtain Pre-Approval

After selecting a lending institution, work with them to obtain a pre-approval letter.  This is a valuable tool in the home buying process, as it provides you with the maximum allowable loan amount and assures sellers that any offers you make are backed by a pre-approval letter.

Interview & Select a Real Estate Agent

Whether you are a local resident or new to the area, you want to make sure your real estate agent understands your wants and needs. Go into each interview / meeting with a list of questions to ask the agent.  These questions should include topics such as knowledge of the local market conditions, years of real estate experience, and familiarity with the local areas, including school options, retail establishments, and dining / entertainment options.

Start Home Shopping

Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to begin searching for suitable homes.  Take your time to view multiple homes in your preferred neighborhoods, and be sure to complete follow-up showings for the finalist properties, as it is common to overlook certain areas on an initial walk-through.  Once you have made final decision, work with your real estate agent to research comparable properties, which will assist in developing the formal offer.

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.