6 Tips to Make Home Buying a Breeze

6 Tips to Make Home Buying a Breeze

Be Prepared for the Current Market

As we approach the spring market, I know there will be a new influx of first time home buyers…or even buyers that haven’t bought a house in 15+ years. With the current market being a very strong seller’s market (I’m already seeing it!!) here are a few things I cannot stress enough when beginning your home search. Check out my tips for making your home buying process smooth and stress free.

1. Obtain your pre-approval.

This is the most important step. Houses will receive multiple offers just as quickly as a sign goes in the yard. Obtain your pre-approval letter before you go house hunting. This will ensure that when you find the right house and put in an offer, you are taken seriously. If you are unsure of which lender to use, ask your realtor for a recommendation!

2. Be financially strong.

Do you have a decent down payment? Do you need to ask the seller to assist with closing costs? The more cash you have in the bank will give you better odds of getting the house you love. The cleaner your offer the better!

3. Don’t wait too long.

These days, you almost have to see a house the day it goes on the market and If you see a house you like, you may not be able to think on it overnight. If you like it, act on it because tomorrow it might be gone.

4. Prepare for battle.

As I mentioned above, many homes are receiving multiple offers. I always recommend going in with your very best offer that leaves you with no regrets. You may have to offer over asking price to get the home of your dreams! Your realtor can make you feel more comfortable offering over asking price by showing you comparable homes that have sold in the area.

5. Have realistic expectations.

Do your research. The market has changed significantly since 2012… It’s easy to get hung up on cosmetic changes or minor repairs needed. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint and some new carpet can transform a room!

6. Be flexible (if you can) with your budget.

If you have seen 20 homes in your price range between $125,000-$150,000 and you just aren’t seeing what you want… be open to increasing your budget by $10,000-$15,000. You may open up possibilities to other neighborhoods and more updates with just a minimal increase in your monthly payment.