In the nautical world of pleasure boating, there is a specific process to follow to ensure a fun day on the water. Skip one of those steps and you risk having a miserable experience.
The same holds true when buying a new home. There is a process to follow to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are the basics.
1. Find a good realtor.
Sometimes, it seems like there are more realtors than there are homes for sale. So how do you choose? Lots of people find a realtor through referral from a friend, colleague, or family member, which is great! But make sure to also to take a look at that realtor’s social media and web pages, profiles, and reviews. It’s important that you find a realtor who is a good “match” for you, one that will listen to and understand your needs thoroughly. You also want to make sure you choose a realtor who knows the area well. (We’d be happy to help you navigate the home-buying process, so if you need a good realtor, just give us a call.)
2. Determine what you can afford.
Always get pre-approved for a mortgage (and make a sample budget) so you know the price range within which to shop for your new home. Discovering beautiful dream homes outside your price range isn’t fun at all, but a good realtor will help you find exactly what you need at a price that works within your budget.
3. Make a wish list.
What kind of home are you looking for? Would you prefer to live in a quiet neighborhood away from it all or to have a home in the center of your city’s nightlife? Would you enjoy working on an older home to make it your own, or are you more interested in a place that is “finished” and requires little effort? Do you need a yard, a deck, boat access? Knowing what you want and need will help you know which homes to view and which aren’t really your style.
4. Make an offer.
A good realtor will do expert market research to help you make an informed offer that gets you the home you want at the right price.
5. Get a home inspection.
Always have a professional home inspector do a thorough inspection of the home you’d like to buy. This is a must to ensure that you are aware of any potential issues that might become later headaches before the home is yours.
6. Get the paperwork done.
Your realtor, lawyer, and lender will typically handle all the transaction paperwork for you, but this is the stage of the process that makes the home yours, and you, of course, will want to be informed on the ins and outs of the process.
7. Prepare for the move.
Your realtor will be able to recommend a good mover. Beore you move, make sure to arrange for telephone, internet, utilities, a change of address, and any other important details.
Follow this process, and your move should be smooth sailing. Give us a call today if you’re ready to start the process.
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