Know Your Wants And Needs
Before embarking on your journey of house hunting, you must know what you really want to find. Sit down with pen and paper and list all the features you care most about, such as:
– Location (in a particular city, school district or neighbourhood)
– Size — how many bedrooms and bathrooms
– Parking — a 1 car garage or 2?
– Style — 2 storey home or industrial style house?
– Heating — central heating and/or air conditioning?
Equally important, on a new sheet of paper list all the features you absolutely do not want in a house.
For example:
– high-traffic area.
– high noise area (airport, train station or highway in close proximity)
– maintenance — major repairs needed
As you look at houses, keep both lists in mind. Your lists may change over time as you do more looking. You’ll want to add or remove features, or perhaps you’ll become willing to make compromises. Realize that you most likely will not find the “perfect” home. Experienced homebuyers will tell you, perfect homes are not found, they are made perfect through hard work.
Get Your Credit Report In Order
Prior to looking at properties, you must get your finances in order. This is the time to review your credit report and clean it up, if need be, to maximize your credit score. Many people do not realize how important it is to check your credit report periodically to make sure it is accurate. You should pay off any past due amounts, or negotiate a settlement price to close the debt.
Get such agreements in writing, before paying any settlement. Keep all receipts for any settled items from your credit report since it may take months to get the debt actually removed.
Research Your Home-Buying Options
Decide what kind of property you are interested in.
A number of web sites list homes according to city, state, or price range. Visit these sites to see pictures of homes, many with virtual tours, and review the listing features.
Get Pre-Approved For A Home Loan
You’re ready now to find a home loan lender and get yourself pre-approved for the loan. Being pre-approved offers a number of advantages. It will clarify the price range you can afford. Also, once you find the home you want, you can place an immediate offer. If you have to wait for pre-approval, someone could buy the house right out from under you.
You really do need to find the right mortgage broker to help you choose a great home loan.
