It can be very exciting to buy a home, but it’s also a stressful time when things can be wrong. You can avoid a lot of that by being prepared, so you’ll have far less to worry about. Then you can move forward with buying a home the easy way, and have peace of mind. That peace is often hard to get in the midst of mortgages and packing boxes, but it’s still possible. Don’t underestimate the value of being organized when you’re buying a home and planning a move. That organization can really help you keep your sanity, and getting organized is easier than you think.
1). Get preapproved for a mortgage.
The first step toward getting organized to buy a home is getting preapproved. A lot of real estate agents don’t want to work with you if you don’t have that letter from your bank. That’s true of sellers, as well. A preapproval shows that you’re serious about buying, and that you’re likely to be able to buy in that price range. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll get the mortgage you want, of course, but it’s a good first step and goes a long way when you’re starting the process of looking for a home.
2). Know your real estate agent.
Once you’re preapproved, you need to choose a real estate agent to work with. Even though they all have the same educational requirements and take the same tests in order to become realtors, they aren’t all the same. By choosing one with a lot of experience in the local area, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot more about the town and make sure you’re getting a good deal. An agent who knows how to negotiate with the seller, talk to the inspector, and handle the information the lender needs is a valuable resource, and shouldn’t be ignored. Don’t underestimate the importance of having the right agent on your side, and don’t hesitate to shop around a little bit until you find the one you’re comfortable with.
3). Check out the neighborhood.
Make sure you’ve thoroughly checked out the neighborhood where you’re going to buy your new home. Location really is everything. The pictures of the house that you saw online may not show the run-down place next door or the cemetery across the street. Drive around the areas you’re considering, and see them for yourself. Pictures don’t show everything you need to know and there’s no point wasting your time scheduling a showing if the location doesn’t work for you. Your agent will appreciate your diligence, as well, since it will save them time and let them help you better by understanding the neighborhoods you do and don’t want to buy in.
4). Make a realistic budget.
It’s vital that you have a plan to afford your new home. It may be the best place in the world for you, but that doesn’t matter if it’s out of your price range. That’s something your lender will help you with when you get preapproved, but you may also find that you don’t want to spend as much as the lender says you can. If that’s the case, make sure you let your real estate agent know, so they aren’t looking for homes at the top of your price range. There’s nothing wrong with spending less, and in many cases it can be a very good option to consider.
5). Make a timeline for when you want to move.
If you want to move soon, you’ll have to find a house quickly. The more organized you are the easier you can do that without too much stress. For people who aren’t as hurried to buy a home, there are fewer worries about locating something right away, but you still want to be ready when you find the home that works for you and your family. With the right preparation, you can make your move when you need to, and you won’t be waiting on the lender, real estate agent, or anyone else to give you the okay to proceed.
6). Consider the taxes and other differences in your new location.
Anytime you move to a new location, things will be different. Your property taxes and insurance needs will change, and you’ll have new stores and schools to explore. Even if you move to a different location in the same town when you buy a home, things won’t be like they were at your other place. Make sure you understand the differences, because you want to be sure that you have everything planned out the right way. That gives you peace of mind, and also helps ensure that you won’t have any unexpected surprises when you get moved into your new home.
7). Choose your moving company.
The purchase of a house comes with a lot of other things that you have to focus on, as well. One of those is the actual move from one place to the other. For that, you need the right moving company, and it can be hard to choose the one you want. They may all have good reviews, and their prices will be similar. At the end of the day, you can base your choice on price or another factor, and work with the moving company you feel best about. That way you can buy your home with confidence and know that you can also make the move as stress-free as possible.
2 Point Highlight
Don’t underestimate the value of being organized when you’re buying a home and planning a move.
Make sure you’ve thoroughly checked out the neighborhood where you’re going to buy your new home.
