 Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker
and find out how much you can comfortably afford to pay
for a home.
Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can
afford is an important first step, sellers are more
receptive if a buyer has been pre-approved. Also it
alleviates the disappointment of house hunting outside
of your price range. With a “pre-approval” a buyer
actually receives a written letter stating that the
lender will commit to a specified loan amount. Costs for
a pre-approval letter are nominal.
List of Needs and Wants: Make 2 lists: one of
needs and another of wants. The first should include the
non-negotiables, the must-have items such as number of
bedrooms or baths, one story or two, large yard or no
yard, etc.. The second should be a wish list, things you
would like to have that aren’t absolutely required (e.g.
formal dining room, full basement, neighborhood
amenities).
Focus and Organization: In a convenient
location keep handy a few things that will assist you in
optimizing your home search.
- One or more maps with your areas of interest
highlighted.
- A file of all the properties your agent has
shown you and any you have collected from magazines
or the newspaper.
- A digital camera to take photos to refresh your
memory.
- Paper and pen for taking notes.
Visualize the house empty and with your décor:
Do the rooms fit your furniture? Is there enough light?
Be Objective: Instead if thinking with your
heart think with your head. Does this home really meet
all of your needs?
Be Thorough: A few extra dollars spent now may
save you in the long run. Don’t forget essentials such
as:
- Include inspection & mortgage contingencies in
your written offer.
- Have the property inspected by a professional
inspector.
- Request a second walk through to take place 24
hours before closing to see that no changes have
been made that weren’t agreed upon (ie. a nice
chandelier that you wanted and included in the sale
has been replaced)
Important decisions about your home involve so many
details that it may seem overwhelming. That is why
having a professional represent you and keep track of
all the details is so essential. Please email or call me
directly to discuss how I might help you find a home to
love or sell the one you must leave behind.
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