Buying a Home: The Beginning

Buying a house is an extremely time-consuming and stressful process. Most people don’t realize how much work is involved, and it’s a lot more than just saying you want it, like you see on TV. Buying a home requires showings, banks, inspections, banks, research, banks…it goes on and on and on.

If you truly want to understand the home-buying process, it’s always best to start at the beginning. Take a look.

Know your finances.

Before you even start looking for a home, you need to understand your finances. Determine exactly what you can afford, both as a gross total and as a monthly mortgage payment. You can use a mortgage calculator to help.

 You should also talk to a mortgage lender. These people will not only be able to tell you how much a bank will approve you for, but they can also help you better understand your credit. After all, the better your credit, the easier your loan will be. If you have any red flags on your credit, you’ll need to repair these. Sometimes you may find that it can take a few months after that initial conversation to get your credit where it needs to be.

 Research areas.

Once you have your budget in mind, research some possible areas. Look at homes for sale in those areas and determine if they’re affordable for your budget, and also determine if they make sense for your needs, such as its proximity to work or social events. After you know where you want to live, you can move on.

 Create a wish list.

Every homeowner has a wish list, so make one. Do you need 4 bedrooms? Do you want a condo? Then, think of what you need versus what you want. Do you really need 4 bedrooms, or do you just want 4 bedrooms? Keep in mind that you WILL need to make compromises unless you’re building a home from scratch.

 Get a realtor.

A realtor can help you find homes in the area you prefer. This is their job, and they can be a great assistance. Always use a trusted realtor to get the information you desire, and be sure to share your wish list. Once you work with them, you’ll have an easier time making an offer on a house.

 Wait.

You’re going to spend a lot of time looking at homes and dealing with banks, so understand that waiting is part of the process. Don’t forget about the home inspection list too that will happen once you make an offer on a home, and understand that you’ll need to supply banks with a variety of financial and background information before you get a clear to close. 

 Buying a home is not an easy process, so make sure you thoroughly understand what to expect tin order to make it slightly easier on you in the long run.