Buying a house is a daunting process. Finding a property that will meet your needs and is within your price range will take some work, but there are things you can do to make the search easier. Here are helpful tips to level up your search when you buy a house.
To Buy a House, Find a Realtor You Like
When you start the search for a home, you’ll be interacting with your realtor frequently. You’ll need to communicate with them regularly and see them when you tour homes. Find a realtor you are comfortable with who understands what you’re looking for. When you’re ready to buy a home, meet with a few realtors to get to know them. Having an agent who you trust makes it easier to buy a house.
Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval First
Get a pre-approval on a mortgage loan before you start your home search. You’ll know that you are approved for a loan and you’ll know the dollar amount you’ll be able to borrow. This information will help you determine the best price range for your budget. Otherwise, you might waste time looking at houses you can’t afford. Having a pre-approval letter will show sellers you are serious about buying and will speed up the process.
Diversify Your Search to Buy a House
You may use one or two websites when searching for a house, however, there are more tools to use during your search. Ask your realtor to notify you about houses as they are listed on the market. Make a list of websites that show property listings and familiarize yourself with their advanced search options. Check out local sites for homes that are for sale by owner.
Before You Buy a House, Know Your Priorities
Not every house you tour will be what you’re looking for. Make a list of priorities before starting your search so that you can rule out properties that don’t meet your requirements. How much land do you want? Maybe you’re looking for a three-bedroom house with three bathrooms. Do you prefer a certain style of home? This list will help you prioritize features as you search.
Keep a List of Houses You Tour
Depending on how many homes you view and how long your search takes, you might have a hard time keeping track of the ones you’ve seen. When you view a home, take notes of the day, time, pros and cons, and general thoughts.
If you tour the home in person, take your camera and snap photos of highlights and potential issues. This will help you remember things to discuss with the home inspector. If a home that you’ve seen is still on the market and you want to take another look, you’ll have notes that will make the second tour more efficient.
Look at Sold Homes
If you are looking to buy a house, take the time to look at houses that have already sold. This will give you insights into the market in a particular area and what houses are actually selling for. A better understanding of the local housing market will help you during future negotiations.
Cole Inspection Services offers home inspections to customers in Statesville, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.