Are you spending all your spare time with online home searches? You may feel ready to move in tomorrow to the home you just found online. To make purchasing a home easier, here are a few steps you could do BEFORE you start your search.
1. Work On Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a major part when buying a home. Your score can affect your chances of getting a competitive loan. Find out what your credit score is and correct any mistakes that may be on it.
2. SAVE SAVE SAVE!
Home buying can be an expensive experience. From the down payment to a home inspection to lawyer/notary fees, and any other immediate repairs. The more you save, the less you have to take out in a loan. Create a budget or talk to your financial adviser to help put you on a path to saving money.
3. Get Pre-approved
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will let you know exactly how much you can spend on your new home. You need a written statement from your bank with the amount that you are approved to. By doing this you won't be wasting your time looking at homes you can't afford.
4. Figure Out Where You Want To Live
Choosing an area to live in can be hard. Ask yourself where you see yourself and what type of neighborhood that looks like. Make a list of the ideal community you would want to live in and what it has. Are there good schools? What is your current neighborhood lacking?
5. Make A List Of Your Dream Home
Make a list with all your dreams and wants for a new home. Do you want a big backyard? Do you need 3 bathrooms or 4 bedrooms? Make sure your NEEDS and WANTS are within your budget. By listing our and prioritizing these items into two different lists (wants and needs), you will have an easier time keeping what's truly important to you in your home search.
