Being a first-time home buyer involves many different emotional stages. While it’s certainly thrilling to buy the home of your dreams, it’s integral to still keep your wits about you to guarantee you make good choices. Making the right decisions from the start assures you that the home buying process will be a breeze.
Here are some tips you’ll need to remember if you’re a first-time homebuyer or if your knowledge on tackling real estate requires a little refreshing:
Establish a Realistic Budget
Before you can start looking at any potential houses, you first need to determine a budget. It should be one you’re willing to invest in for your future property without putting your other financial responsibilities on the line.
Knowing how much you can offer will help you make practical choices and give you an idea of what kinds of houses you can aim to buy without struggle. A budget can also help you set realistic expectations for the upcoming process of home buying.
Do you know how much home you can afford?
Most people don’t... Find out in 10 minutes.
Today's Mortgage RatesHire a Professional Real Estate Agent
The first thing you should do when you’re planning to buy a home is to hire a real estate agent. Having a professional who knows everything about the real estate market will make the entire process simpler and even more enjoyable for you.
When you’re talking about the home you want to buy, it’s vital to go over as much detail with them as possible, especially the features of the house you’d like to prioritize. Understanding what you want will help them pick out better options more likely to suit your taste.
Have Your Mortgage Broker Assess You for a Preapproval
The preapproval process is fundamental in home buying. A mortgage broker will determine how much money you can borrow for real estate by looking at your income, assets, and credit score. They can also assist you by connecting you to reliable mortgage lenders.
Other ways you can get loans are through the FHA, USDA, or VA. The FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration and can only be issued by an FHA-approved lender. The USDA loan is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and is meant for those buying a home in rural and suburban areas. Meanwhile, the VA loan is a popular choice for veterans as it has zero down payment requirements.
Visit the Property You’re Interested in Buying
When you’ve finally found a property you’re interested in, it’s important to visit it and see it up close and in person. It’s even advisable to do this more than once to ensure you’re sure about your decision. While viewing pictures and videos is good for giving you a first impression, nothing will do a home more justice than to see your future home.
A physical visit will also allow you to inspect the property for yourself, and you can determine whether everything is up to par with your expectations. You’ll also know if the property might need any renovations or other changes that will cost you more money down the line.
The Next Step Is to Make an Offer
After completing all the home buying procedures and feeling satisfied with the property, it’s essential to make an offer to secure your purchase of the home.
Usually, you’ll be signing a purchase agreement, which contains information on how much the property is, the price of the down payment, deadlines, and other loan details. Your real estate agent should make this process a breeze for you.
Your Mortgage Expert in Kentucky or Florida and beyond
Home buying is a simple procedure when you employ the correct services and rely on the right people. These professionals work to guide you to make the best decision that fits your budget and home requirements. When you make careful choices, you can rest assured you can fully bask in the feeling of finally purchasing your dream home.
American Mortgage Solutions is a mortgage company in Louisville, KY, serving Kentucky, Florida and Indiana. We offer different kinds of services, including a first-time home buyer loan. Get in touch with us today at in Kentucky you can give us a call at (502) 327-9770 or in Florida please call (239) 766-8344, to learn more about our services and apply for a loan!
Do you know how much home you can afford?
Most people don’t... Find out in 10 minutes.
Today's Mortgage Rates