Welcome back, everyone! So, you’ve taken that big step towards homeownership because like we spoke about last week, you’ve turned in those documents so that we could issue your mortgage preapproval.
But what’s next? Don’t worry, because today, we’re diving into the exciting world of finding your dream home.
Now that you’ve got your mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s time to kickstart your journey towards homeownership. First things first, finding a realtor you can trust is crucial. Your realtor will be your guide, your advocate, and your partner in this exciting adventure while you are searching for that dream home.
Start by doing your research. Look for realtors with strong reputations in your desired area. Working with a LOCAL realtor is important. They will know the area and they understand the local market. Check out online reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations, and don’t hesitate to interview multiple agents until you find the perfect match. If you need a referral, I work with some of the very best in our area, so I’m happy to refer you to someone who is a good match with the kind of property you are looking for, and your personality too now that I’ve gotten to know you better!
Once you’ve chosen your realtor, it’s time to get down to business. Schedule a meeting to discuss your wants, needs, and budget. Be sure to communicate clearly about your preferences – from location and style to must-have features.
Think about how long you are planning to live in this home. Is it for a couple of years or your forever home? What might those next few years look like? Is your family still growing? Do you do a lot of entertaining? Ask yourself these types of questions and come up with a “wants” list and a “needs” list to help your realtor find the best fit for you.
Local realtors KNOW this market, they know what is out there for sale, and most of them even know what’s coming up for sale that isn’t even on the market yet in some cases. Having a really great realtor in your corner is key to finding the right home for you and your family.”
Your realtor will use this information you’ve given them about your preferences to narrow down the search and present you with potential properties that meet your criteria. But remember, flexibility is key! You may need to compromise on certain aspects to find the perfect home within your budget. By the same token, if this is a home you are planning on living in for several years, don’t get in a hurry and buy something that doesn’t quite fit.
Once you’ve reviewed the listings provided by your realtor, it’s time to hit the road and start touring homes. This is where the fun truly begins! Be prepared to explore a variety of properties, taking note of what you love and what you can live without.
Take advantage of Open Houses. Nearly every weekend you can find open houses to tour. Listing agents market the homes they are selling by opening them up on a certain day and time for any potential buyer that might want a closer look. These are casual walk throughs, but a great chance to go beyond the photos…know how the carpet smells and how the light moves in the kitchen. As you may know, I post all the area open houses each week on Thursday. It’s an opportunity to see the whole list, no matter the agent or the brokerage that is hosting it, so you don’t have to visit 12 different pages to see where the opportunities are.
See Open House list on Thursdays: https://www.facebook.com/lisadoesloans918
That’s the great thing about technology…and speaking of technology, MANY homes have a 3d online tour available, but just keep in mind those aren’t going to show you everything, but they can narrow the choices of what you want to see in person.
When you look over the lists that your realtor sends you, or you find something online, be sure to call your realtor so they can set up a showing with the seller’s agent (called a listing agent) Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way. Your realtor is there to provide insight and guidance, helping you make informed decisions about each property you visit.
You and your realtor know the programs and the amounts that you have been approved for. They can guide you to homes that meet the specifications of each program and your budget.
After touring several homes, you may find ‘the one’ – that perfect place to call home. When that moment arrives, it’s time to make an offer! Don’t be afraid to give our team a call at this point if you have questions about what an offer might look like, the payments for a particular offer amount, and the cash to close that you would need. Your realtor will help you navigate the negotiation process, ensuring you get the best possible deal and we are here for you and for your realtor too as the deal is structured to navigate loan program options, seller paid concessions and more.
Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to move forward with inspections, appraisals, and finalizing your mortgage. Your realtor will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free closing process.” All of those items are coming up over the next few weeks as we dive even further into our series.
And there you have it, folks! With your mortgage preapproval in hand, a trusted realtor by your side, and a clear vision of what you’re looking for, you’re well on your way to finding your dream home. Remember, patience and perseverance are key – but trust me, it’ll all be worth it in the end. Next week I’ll give an overview of some of the loan types that are available, and compare and contrast them. Then we’ll start diving into those next steps after you’ve found the house and made the offer. Until next time, happy house hunting!
Have more questions? Let’s talk about it:
If you’re ready to get started, apply www.lisadoesloans.net
