Buying A Home

While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You’ll also avoid being disappointed when going after property that are out of your price range. With Pre-Approval, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender. This way, assuming the property you’re interested in is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are serious about buying a property. Costs for pre-approval are generally nominal and lenders will usually permit you to pay them when you close your loan.

Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need for the size of your family, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.). The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (pool, den, etc.) but that are not absolutely necessary. Realistically for your first time buying a property, you probably will not get everything on your wish list, but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.

Consider hiring your own real estate agent, one who is working for you, the buyer, not the seller.

Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?

A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don’t forget such essentials as:

1. Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in your written offer.
2. Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
3. Request a second walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing.
4. You want to check to see that no changes have been made that were not agreed on (i.e., a nice chandelier that you assumed came with the sale having been replaced by a cheap ceiling light).

What will get you the most “bang for your buck?” Are there “throwaway” (i.e., free) real estate publications in your area that accept ads from individual sellers? In the local paper(s), is it better (in your area) to run a text-only classified, or do they have “photo boxes” where you can run both text and a photo of your property?