When you are ready to search for the house that could become your home, you'll need the right tools in hand so you can go into negotiations with ease. The more prepared you are, the less time it will hopefully take for closing, and you'll be able to hold your keys in hand. While it's true home buying can be a timely processed, with a five-point checklist in hand your experience should seem like it's taking forever.
Ready to get started? Here is a five-point checklist to keep in mind when you begin your home search:
1) Know your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a home, and what is the absolute maximum amount you can spend on a mortgage payment? Once you have the numbers figured out, you'll have a better idea of the price range in which you can search. Some potential home buyers may consult with a bank or other lending institution to get a feel for their financial situation. Not necessarily a bad idea, and if you work with a real estate agent they will like assist you in this manner.
2) Know your neighborhood. If you have kids, you'll want to narrow your search to neighborhoods with quality schools and recreation areas. Also to consider: neighborhoods near your workplace, church, social activities, and other interests. You can search statistical information on the Internet if you really want details.
3) Make the time to search. You're a busy person, and more than likely you have reserved weekends for the house hunt. That makes sense, but it also stands to reason that everybody else is doing the same thing. Consider taking a personal day during the week to tour available homes for sale. Not only can this put you ahead of the game, but you can get a feel for certain neighborhoods at their most active.
4) Be ready to respond during the bidding process. Phone calls from your agent may come fast and furious if you have a hot prospect, so it's important to have all your information together when you start placing bids. Should you be outbid on a property, don't feel that you have to jump the gun. Consult with your agent and negotiate with a level head.
5) Stay focused. Your goal is to buy home, but you want it to be the home you want. Don't settle for a place because the price is right or because it's the only one available. Listen to your intuition as you tour a house and ask yourself if this is where you want to spend the next thirty years. Learn everything you can about every potential property - needed repairs, history of the previous owners, did they have pets, etc.
Keep your focus, negotiate with calm, and you may find the home buying process isn't painful at all.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively
Thursday, May 19, 2011
