So you want to buy a home this Spring...


Do you want to buy a home this Spring? Wondering when to get started? The time is NOW!

It is well known that owning your own home is a financially responsible and sound decision. You are investing in yourself and your family when you own real property. If you are pursuing a loan to purchase your home you want to be prepared. No one wants to go see their dream home only to be told that they have months of work to do to be ready to purchase this home and that another family who was prepared and ready to buy will get that home instead. Follow just a few simple suggestions to get the process started so that when you find the perfect home you are ready to buy!

1. Check your credit.

When you find that perfect home that you have your heart set on you don't want any surprises coming up. Credit reports can have errors on them. Poor credit scores can be improved with some diligence. These things take a little time though. Allow yourself at least three months (maybe more) to check your credit report and make sure it is where you want it to be.

2. Start saving.

There's more to buying  a home than just getting a loan. There will be some unavoidable upfront costs. As well, the more cash you are able to put down on your new home the better the terms of your loan will be; saving you money in the long run.

3. Talk to your Lender.

Your Lender will be able to provide you with even more suggestions to help you secure the right loan for you. They will explain how much you can realistically expect to spend on a home as well as give you a good estimate of what your costs and monthly payments will be. If you don't have a lender yet I can get you in touch with some great ones!

4. Where do you want to live?

It may sound silly but there is much more than just location to consider. What city or metro area? What school district? Do you want a view? A larger lot? Two stories or one story? A pool? What street? Near stores, schools, entertainment, transportation, etc.? Drive around. Visit different areas at different times of day. What is going on in those areas? A lively area or a quiet area? These things can all make a difference as you begin your search.

5. Call your Realtor®. Hopefully that's me! Once you have all of the above completed you will be ready to start looking inside of some of these homes. Showings will need to be scheduled; sometimes people live in the home and they will need some notice to have to home ready and be out of the way. Your Realtor can do this for you. Your Realtor will also educate you on specifics of the area you choose; HOA fees, property values, amenities, etc. If you've done all of the things above you will be a prepared and qualified buyer; setting yourself up for a great buying experience! Call me when you are ready to get the ball rolling! I am here to help!

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