Buying a House? Here Are Four Ways to Make It Go More Smoothly
The real estate market has been nuts this year…if you haven’t noticed.
Is it the pandemic? Is it the recovering economy? No one seems to know for sure.
Whatever the reason, houses that used to sit on the market for months are now getting multiple offers and selling in days. Not only that, buyers are finding themselves locked in bidding wars and spending well over the buyer’s asking price.
These days, potential buyers need to be ready to act quickly when they find a house that’s right.
Here are four steps you can take to make buying your next house smoother, less stressful, and more successful:
#1: Find a Realtor You Like and Trust…and Lean on Them
Finding the right realtor is the single most important step in your house-buying quest.
Why? Because your realtor will be involved in everything from finding the right property all the way through to closing. (More about all these steps later!)
A good realtor will help you:
FIND A MORTGAGE BROKER (MORE ABOUT THAT LATER, TOO!)
DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
FIND THE RIGHT HOUSE
MAKE YOUR OFFER
ARRANGE ALL OF THE DETAILS FOR A SMOOTH CLOSING
So, take the time to find the right realtor for you. Ask your friends and other people who’ve bought in the area where you want to live. Interview the best candidates and ask for references.
Remember, you’re selecting a professional to find your new home. The time you invest in this choice is time well spent and (potentially) money saved.
#2. Get Your Financing Set Up BEFORE You Start Looking
Two important reasons you should sit down with a mortgage broker before you start your search:
1. They can help you decide your house budget. This gives your realtor (who you have already chosen, right?) a price range to focus on.
2. Just as important, they will pre-qualify you for your mortgage. This will allow you to move quickly to make an offer when you (and your realtor) find the right house.
Your realtor can recommend a mortgage lender they’ve worked with in the past. You don’t have to use this lender, but be aware that your realtor has seen many mortgage lenders in action and they will recommend someone they trust.
#3. Be Open-Minded but Know Your “Must Haves”
Decide early what things are absolute “must haves” and what items are “nice to haves.” It’s easy to add a long list of things you want in a house, but focus on those few things you absolutely need.
Let your realtor know what’s most important to you. They are your partner in this process, after all. Your realtor can help you narrow down houses to make sure you aren’t spending time at houses that don’t check off your “must haves.”
So, what are the things you can’t live without in your new home? Is it proximity to work, good schools, an open floor plan?
#4. Enjoy the Ride
Searching for a new home for you and your family can be stressful at times…absolutely.
But whether you’re looking for your first house, relocating for a new job, or searching for your retirement home…it’s an exciting process.
Your realtor can help you navigate the process so you find a home and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Ready to start house hunting?
I’m Kay Hyle, and since 2008 I’ve helped people find their dream homes in Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City, Kemah, Dickinson, and other south Houston communities.
Call me at 713-825-9888, email me at [email protected], or use my contact form and let’s get started!