When you are interested in buying a house, there are specific steps that will help you accomplish your goal. The following 7 tips help explain how to buy a house.
How to Buy a House: Choose a Realtor
It’s important to find a qualified buyer’s agent when you decide you want to buy a house. Your realtor represents your interests throughout the buying process.
Some home buyers think that all you need to do is go online, find the house you want, buy it, and move right in. While listing sites make it easy to find properties and take virtual tours, it’s an entirely different situation when you’re in front of the seller’s agent during negotiations.
Interview several realtors before you begin your home search. Choose one who has extensive experience in your local market to represent you during this big transaction.
Create a List of What You Want
Make a list of what absolutely must have in a new home and what you would prefer. This will help your realtor set up showings for homes that won’t be a waste of your time. Be flexible about your wants, or else you may miss out on a home that is right for you in many ways.
How to Buy a House with Mortgage Pre-Approval
There’s no sense looking at houses that you can’t afford. It will only result in frustration if you fall in love with a property that’s out of your reach financially.
Instead, get your mortgage pre-approval in place so you know exactly how much money is available for the purchase. Home sellers are more likely to accept your offer over another buyer if they know that you have been pre-approved by a lender.
Pay Attention to How Much You Can Afford Monthly
It’s not always a good idea to accept the amount a lender pre-approves for your loan. A good rule of thumb for how much you can afford on a mortgage payment is for the number not to exceed 33 percent of your take-home pay.
Be careful about listening to others regarding what you can afford. Your real estate agent and lender don’t know your entire budget including what you spend on food, gas, and other monthly expenses. Don’t overextend your monthly budget.
How to Buy a House With a Fair Offer
Rely on the experience and expertise of your realtor when making an offer on a house. The offer should be based on what you think the house is worth. Factor in how long the house has been on the market. For example, you won’t have much luck submitting a low bid on a home that has had several other better offers in a short period of time.
Don’t Get Hung Up on One House
If a house that you fell in love with doesn’t work out, don’t get discouraged. There are always new homes being listed. Also, don’t place an offer on a house that you have reservations about.
Get a Home Inspection
Always get the home inspected by a professional, third-party inspector before making your final decision to buy. It’s imperative that you know about any major problems that may need costly repairs. A home inspection report may back up negotiations for a lower price or getting the seller to fix things prior to closing.
Assurance Home Services provides home inspections for home buyers. Contact us to schedule an inspection in Greater Charlotte, NC and Rock Hill, SC.