Homebuyers Checklist: What You Need to Know

 

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and biggest financial decisions that anyone can make. It’s exhilarating to go out and search for that perfect house that would be your haven for decades. However, it’s essential to realize that the process of buying a house is not just about finding a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. There’s a lot of work involved, including financial planning, research, and due diligence to ensure you make a wise investment. This article covers a buying checklist for first-time homebuyers to help you navigate the home-buying process with more knowledge, confidence, and success.

 

Determine What You Can Afford:

Before starting your home search, take time to assess your financial status and determine what you can afford. Consider your income, expenses, debts, credit score, and other financial obligations. Use a mortgage calculator to determine how much you can afford and the monthly payment that works best for you. Knowing your budget will help you avoid over-straining yourself and finding a home that fits your budget.

 

Get Pre-Approved:

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential. This is different than pre-qualifying.  Pre-qualifying only gives you an idea of what you can afford. Pre-approval means that the lender has approved your loan for a specific amount and criteria. With pre-approval your realtor and sellers know that you’re a serious buyer. And, you’ll know what price-point you are able to shop within making your home search more comfortable.

 

Hire a Real Estate Agent:

Hiring a real estate agent is essential when buying a home. A real estate agent has knowledge of the local market, understands the home-buying process, and can help you navigate the process. They can help with finding homes that fit your criteria, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through closing.

 

Research Neighborhoods:

Researching neighborhoods is critical to finding the right home that fits your lifestyle. Determine what areas you prefer based on your work, family situation, and other factors. Research the surrounding neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and other factors that could affect your daily life. You can visit the neighborhood during different times of the day to get a feel of the area and see whether it would work for you.

 

 

Get a Home Inspection:

Getting a home inspection before closing is crucial. This ensures that the home you’re buying is in good repair and helps identify any potential problems. You can arrange for a home inspection to spot any significant defects such as roof problems, water damage, mold, and other safety concerns. You can also use the findings to negotiate the price or request repairs before closing.

 

Conclusion:

The home-buying process can be stressful to navigate for first-time homebuyers, but it doesn’t have to be. The process is much easier when you have an understanding of what to expect and the potential pitfalls. Take the time to educate yourself using a home-buying checklist. Remember to take advantage of helpful tools such as getting pre-approved for a mortgage, working with an experienced real estate agent, and conducting a home inspection. With a clear plan and the right people, first-time homebuyers can find their dream home with ease. Buy your home-joyful and happy journey.

 

ABOUT CJ REAL ESTATE:  CJ Real Estate is a full-service brokerage helping people across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas buy and sell residential, lake, land, ranch and commercial real estate with confidence.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ronn Cunningham

1.918.550.8122

Info@CJ-RE.com

 

SOURCE: Cunningham-Johnson Real Estate